India, Oct. 8 -- The last time Australia arrived in South Africa in 2018, they were the Ashes winners. They walked in with the confidence of a side that had just beaten England 4-0 at home. A little over a month later, they left after losing the series 3-1, with their captain and vice-captain banned, three players sent home, and the culture of Australian cricket under serious scrutiny.

Eight years have gone by, and the Aussies have returned to the Rainbow Nation. Remarkably, they stand almost exactly where this story started. The opening Test of the tour will be played at Kingsmead in Durban, the same venue where they had taken a 1-0 lead eight years ago. By the time this series reaches its culmination, the Australian side will return to...