South Africa are all set to host Australia in the three-match Test series, starting October 9 and it promises to be one of the most closely watched red-ball contests of the year, with two recent World Test Championship finalists preparing for another high-stakes battle. Australia currently occupy the top position in the 2025–27 WTC standings, while South Africa are not far behind in second, making every Test potentially significant in the race for another final.
The series also carries plenty of historical baggage. Australia are returning to South Africa for their first Test assignment since the infamous 2018 ball-tampering scandal. Much has changed since then, including Australia’s WTC triumph over South Africa at Lord’s, but the rivalry remains fiercely competitive. The visitors will also have to deal with a South African side carrying confidence from a 2–1 ODI series victory earlier in the tour.
Selection concerns for the Aussies
Australia have suffered a number of setbacks in the build-up to the opening Test in Durban. Cameron Green has been ruled out after sustaining an abdominal strain during the third ODI, depriving the visitors of an important all-round option. Wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis is another absentee after suffering a fractured finger. Sam Harper has been brought into the squad as wicketkeeping cover, although Alex Carey remains Australia’s preferred option behind the stumps.
The absence of Usman Khawaja following his retirment has made a change at the top of the batting order. Matthew Renshaw is expected to partner Travis Head as Australia look to establish a new opening combination. Australia have also strengthened their batting resources by adding experienced campaigner Nic Maddinson to the squad as additional cover.
Proteas sweat over key pacer’s fitness
The hosts have their own major concern heading into the first Test, with fast-bowling leader Kagiso Rabada racing against time to recover from a hamstring injury. Rabada has reportedly bowled without significant discomfort during recent training sessions, offering encouragement to the Proteas. However, head coach Shukri Conrad is expected to wait until the latest possible moment before deciding whether the pacer is fit enough to handle the demands of a five-day Test.
South Africa will also be without Tony de Zorzi, who has been ruled out of the Durban Test because of injury. His absence means the hosts will need to make a change to their preferred top-order combination.
With both sides dealing with significant injury and selection issues, the first Test in Durban could set the tone for what promises to be a fascinating battle between two of the world’s leading Test teams.
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SA vs AUS 2026, Test series: Fixtures
| Date | Match details | Timings (IST, GMT and Local) |
|---|---|---|
| Fri, Oct 9 2026 | 1st Test • Durban, Kingsmead South Africa vs Australia | 1:00 PM IST / 7:30 AM GMT / 9:30 AM Local |
| Sun, Oct 18 2026 | 2nd Test • Gqeberha, St George’s Park South Africa vs Australia | 1:30 PM IST / 8:00 AM GMT / 10:00 AM Local |
| Tue, Oct 27 2026 | 3rd Test • Cape Town, Newlands South Africa vs Australia | 2:00 PM IST / 8:30 AM GMT / 10:30 AM Local |
Broadcast and Live Streaming details
- India: Euro Sports; FanCode
- Australia: Fox cricket; Kayo Sports
- South Africa: SuperSport; SABC 3
- USA and Canada: Willow TV (Sign up here)
- United Kingdom: SkySports Cricket
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