Aiden Markram says South Africa were stunned when they discovered Australia had tampered with the ball during their recent Test series.
Australia skipper Steve Smith, vice-captain David Warner and opener Cameron Bancroft were all banned for the roles they played in the scandal during the third Test in Cape Town.
South Africa batsman Markram, speaking after being unveiled as English county Durham's new signing, said: "We were very shocked.
"The heat of the series was obviously happening, it was the third Test match and it was a crunch game, and the next thing, the story broke out.
"We woke up the next morning and the guys couldn't believe what happened. It hit home overnight."
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