Australia's first Test tour of South Africa since the infamous 'Sandpapergate' scandal kicks off with the first of three Tests in Durban on Friday. The two top-ranked teams in the world are set to clash, adding a layer of intrigue to an already intense rivalry.

The ball-tampering scandal that shook the cricket world took place during the Cape Town Test in March 2018, leading to significant repercussions for Australian players. Cameron Bancroft was caught on camera using sandpaper to alter the ball, resulting in a nine-month ban for him and 12-month bans for then-captain Steve Smith and vice-captain David Warner.

Reflecting on the event, former South Africa bowler Shaun Pollock shared insights on the Sky Sports Cricket Podcast, highlighting the shockwaves it sent through the cricket community.

Australia has not toured South Africa since that scandal, with a planned trip in early 2021 canceled due to the pandemic. However, South Africa recently achieved a notable victory over Australia by winning the World Test Championship final at Lord's last summer.

Pollock emphasized the significance of the upcoming series, stating that while the match against England is also exciting, the clash with Australia holds a special place in fans' hearts. He noted that the World Test Championship win has rekindled interest in Test cricket in South Africa.

Regarding the atmosphere, Pollock predicts a competitive yet not overly hostile reception for the Australians, despite the historical context. He anticipates that fans may reference the 2018 scandal, but he doubts it will dominate the series.

As for the matches, Pollock forecasts a 2-1 victory for both South Africa and England in their respective series, citing concerns over Australia's batting lineup and their struggles against spin bowling as potential vulnerabilities.