GOLD COAST, Australia (AFP) — Australia will try to forget all about cheating cricketers and restore their sporting image when the Commonwealth Games open at a gala ceremony in Gold Coast on Wednesday.

Australia’s reputation for tough but fair competition took a hit when Test cricketers admitted ball-tampering, a scandal which prompted much debate and soul-searching.

But the hosts have an opportunity to repair the damage at beach city Gold Coast, where they will attempt to top the medals table, led by their resurgent swimmers and cyclists.

Dancing lifesavers and a floating white whale are expected to take centre stage at the 35,000-seat Carrara Stadium for the opening ceremony, where Britain’s Prince Charles is a guest of honour.

It heralds 11 days of competition and should soothe the trauma of the cricket row after a player was caught doctoring the ball with sandpaper.

“Sand and sport have not been a happy combination for this country of late as we endure our national shame over the ugly fusion of cricket and sandpaper,” The Australian newspaper said in an editorial.

“Starting tonight on the Gold Coast we can flick the switch to optimism and celebration.”

Attempts at secrecy took a knock when Australia’s Channel 9 broadcast excerpts from the ceremony dress rehearsal — and had its accreditation suspended as punishment.

Thousands of performers, volunteers and security will be involved in the event, which has been years in the planning and required about 400 truckloads of equipment.

“It’s bloody big,” said organising committee chairman Peter Beattie, who was keeping his fingers crossed for dry weather for the ceremony.

“We’re a little nervous about the weather. We understand there may be showers… we hope that you will be wowed by tonight because I think it’s going to be special.”