Watch: ‘Take this sandpaper, mate’ – Nathan Lyon faces trolling by South African fan during SA vs AUS 3rd Test

Australian spinner Nathan Lyon was trolled by a South African fan during the third Test between South Africa and Australia. While Lyon was fielding near the boundary, the fan took a piece of sandpaper out of his pocket and showed it to the spinner, saying, “Take this sandpaper, mate.”

The fan’s taunt was a reference to Australia’s infamous 2018 ball-tampering scandal, also known as ‘Sandpapergate’. The incident led to suspensions for Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft and remains one of the most controversial moments in modern cricket.

The cheeky exchange brought back memories of the scandal and quickly caught attention on social media. It also added another moment to the intense rivalry between Australia and South Africa. 

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Nathan Lyon gets a 'Sandpaper' taunt from a South African fan in the SA vs AUS 3rd Test

Nathan Lyon received a ‘sandpaper’ taunt from a South African fan during the third Test between South Africa and Australia. The incident took place at Newlands in Cape Town, a venue linked to one of the darkest moments in Australian cricket history.

While Lyon was fielding near the boundary, the fan took a piece of sandpaper out of his pocket and showed it to the Australian spinner. The fan then said, “Take this sandpaper, mate,” in a cheeky reference to Australia’s infamous ball-tampering scandal in 2018.

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The fan’s gesture appeared to be a deliberate reminder of the scandal and quickly caught the attention of cricket fans. The incident turned a routine moment on the field into a talking point, bringing back memories of the controversy that led to suspensions for Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft.

Why the 'Sandpaper' jibe still follows Australia in South Africa

The ‘sandpaper’ taunt dates back to the infamous 2018 Cape Town Test, when Australian batter Cameron Bancroft was caught on camera using sandpaper to tamper with the ball. The incident caused a major controversy, with captain Steve Smith and vice-captain David Warner receiving 12-month bans, while Bancroft was suspended for nine months. The scandal badly damaged Australia’s reputation in world cricket.

Australia’s return to South Africa has brought the incident back into the spotlight, especially as the third Test is being played at Newlands, the same venue where the scandal took place. The South African fan used the sandpaper gesture to remind the Australian players of the controversy. The incident also added another talking point to the rivalry between the two teams.

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The incident shows how a major controversy can remain part of cricket’s history for years. Although the players involved have moved on, the memories of Sandpapergate continue to follow Australian cricket. For Lyon, a routine moment near the boundary turned into an unexpected reminder of one of the most controversial episodes in the sport.

Fans react as the Nathan Lyon Sandpaper moment goes viral

The incident involving Nathan Lyon and the South African fan quickly caught the attention of cricket fans on social media. The fan pulled a piece of sandpaper from his pocket and said, “Take this sandpaper, mate,” while Lyon was fielding near the boundary during the third Test between South Africa and Australia.

The moment reminded fans of Australia’s infamous ball-tampering scandal in 2018, which led to suspensions for Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft. Many fans saw the gesture as a cheeky dig at the Australian team, while others discussed how the controversy continues to follow Australian cricket years later.

The incident has added another talking point to the ongoing Test series and the rivalry between the two teams. As the video spread on social media, fans continued to discuss the taunt and its connection to the 2018 scandal. The moment showed how an old controversy can still attract attention in international cricket.