Markram hopes Australia will receive a respectful reception in South Africa
Lev Shevtsov26
September
2026
16:02
South Africa cricketer Aiden Markram said he hopes the Australian team will receive a respectful reception from fans during the three-match Test series to be held next month in Durban, Gqeberha and Cape Town. Channel NewsAsia reports, citing Reuters.
Memories of the 2018 scandal
The upcoming matches will be the first Test meetings between South Africa and Australia on South African soil since 2018. At that time, during the third Test at Newlands Stadium in Cape Town, the Australian team found itself at the centre of the Sandpapergate scandal over an attempt to alter the condition of the ball.
The incident resulted in lengthy suspensions for Australia captain Steve Smith, as well as players David Warner and Cameron Bancroft. A review of the Australian team’s conduct was also conducted.
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Markram said he does not know what the reaction in the stands will be, as some fans may remember the events of 2018. At the same time, he said that other supporters have already left that episode in the past and see changes in the Australian team. He added that South Africans do not encourage disrespect towards opponents, but hope for active support from the stands and high-quality cricket.
Rivalry and preparation for the World Cup
Markram also said that the spread of Twenty20 franchise tournaments has helped players from different national teams get to know one another better. In particular, he spent considerable time with Australian Mitchell Marsh during the most recent Indian Premier League season. At the same time, according to the cricketer, personal contacts take a back seat on the field because the teams are fighting for victory.
South Africa currently lead Australia 1-0 in the three-match One Day International series ahead of the second game in Johannesburg. Markram considers this contest an important test for both national teams ahead of the 2027 Cricket World Cup, which will be co-hosted by South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe.
