Smith avoids sandpaper jeers as South African pacers rattle Australia on opening day in Durban

Steve Smith received little of the expected sandpaper jeering and Australia were unsettled by South Africa’s fast bowlers on the opening day of the first Test in Durban on Friday, with the tourists reduced to 124 for six before a late fightback took them to 187 for 6 when bad light ended play prematurely.

Ahead of Australia’s first Test tour of South Africa since the 2018 ball‑tampering episode, supermarket chain Pick n Pay Hypermarket removed sandpaper from its shelves until October 31 and broadcaster SuperSport posted on social media: "Our cameras will be sharp." The 2018 incident saw television cameras catch Cameron Bancroft using sandpaper on the ball at Newlands in Cape Town and led to lengthy suspensions for those involved, including then-captain Steve Smith and vice-captain David Warner. Smith returned to South Africa for the first time since that episode but the reception in Durban was muted.

Graham Hudson, 28, the son of former South African Test cricketer Andrew Hudson, was among spectators at Kingsmead and said the past should not define the players involved: "It was a long time ago. The punishment has been done. It is in the past now," he told foxsports.com.au. "It was blasted in the media, I think, a bit too much, and at the end of the day we want good cricket, we want competition, we want the best players to be playing and I feel like that is what we have got." There was no noticeable heckling as Smith walked to the crease.

On the field, Smith began positively, striking two sixes off spinner Keshav Maharaj before being caught at gully off Marco Jansen for 25 shortly after lunch. Earlier, Wiaan Mulder trapped Marnus Labuschagne lbw for 37 off 58 balls with the final delivery before lunch, ending a 60‑run partnership between Labuschagne and Smith.

Anrich Nortje, making his return to first‑class cricket after almost four years away from the format, made an immediate impact after tea; the 32‑year‑old took two wickets in three balls, Alex Carey caught at second slip and Beau Webster edging behind. Those dismissals left Australia suddenly 124 for six.

Earlier in the innings, Travis Head fell for nine, caught behind off Mulder, and Nic Maddinson’s much‑anticipated Test comeback ended in a 33‑ball duck as the 34‑year‑old, returning after treatment for testicular cancer, was bowled by Jansen. The dismissals contributed to Australia’s precarious position in the middle session.

Australia captain Pat Cummins and Matt Renshaw provided late resistance, adding an unbeaten 63 for the seventh wicket; Renshaw finished on 46, four short of a half‑century, while Cummins remained unbeaten on 33. A bouncer that sailed over Renshaw’s head prompted the umpires to consult the light meters and play was abandoned with an hour still scheduled to remain.

Sandpapergate dominated the pre‑match conversation, but on the field South Africa’s pace attack set the tone; play was abandoned on day one with Australia 187 for 6, leaving the first Test in progress.