Steve Smith Reflects on 2018 Ball-Tampering Scandal Ahead of South Africa Test Return
Steve Smith is preparing to play his first Test series in South Africa since the 2018 ball-tampering scandal, which led to a year-long ban and loss of captaincy. He described the period as traumatic, recalling anxiety around cameras and flashbacks to the intense media scrutiny and public reaction, especially at Johannesburg airport and during a tearful press conference in Sydney. Smith acknowledged the difficulty of that time but emphasized learning from the experience and moving forward as Australia tours South Africa in October.
First-hand measurement across 4 sources
We measured how 4 outlets covered this story. No outlet gave this story a measurable political slant — there is no left–right reading to report. Overall sentiment is neutral (47/100). Lens Score 30/100.
Outlets measured: mint, hindustantimes, indiatoday, wion. See how each one headlined and framed the same story in the source comparison below.
AI Analysis
Sentiment was consistent across outlets (42–52/100), indicating broadly factual reporting rather than editorialising.
Coverage timeline
wion broke this story on 17 Sept, 02:51 am. Other outlets followed.