South Africa and Australia will begin their three-match Test series on Friday, October 9, at Kingsmead in Durban. The series forms part of the 2025-27 ICC World Test Championship cycle, with both teams aiming to strengthen their positions in the race for the final. South Africa will have home advantage, while Australia will look to challenge the reigning World Test champions on their own turf.
South Africa enter the series after their ODI campaign against Australia and will now turn their attention to the longer format. Captain Temba Bavuma will lead a side featuring Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, David Bedingham and Tristan Stubbs. However, the Proteas will be without fast bowler Kagiso Rabada for the opening Test as he continues his recovery from a hamstring injury. Anrich Nortje returns to the Test setup, while Keshav Maharaj and Simon Harmer are set to lead a two-spinner attack.
Australia arrive with a strong squad led by Pat Cummins. Their batting lineup features Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Travis Head and Cameron Green, while Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon provide experience with the ball. The visitors will look to exploit South Africa’s weakened pace attack and make a strong start to the series.
SA vs AUS: Match details
| Match | South Africa vs Australia, 1st Test |
|---|---|
| Date | October 9-13, 2026 |
| Time | 9:30 AM local time / 12:30 PM PKT |
| Venue | Kingsmead, Durban |
| Series | Australia tour of South Africa 2026 |
| Format | Test cricket |
| WTC cycle | 2025-27 |
The first Test is scheduled to begin at 9:30 AM local time in Durban on October 9.
Kingsmead, Durban: Pitch report
Kingsmead traditionally offers assistance to fast bowlers, particularly early in the match when there may be movement off the surface. Batters who negotiate the new ball and settle at the crease can score runs, but disciplined seam bowling could make the opening sessions challenging.
South Africa’s decision to include both Keshav Maharaj and Simon Harmer suggests they expect spin to become more influential as the match progresses. Australia will also have options in Nathan Lyon, making the contest between the two spin attacks an important factor if the surface begins to turn.
SA vs AUS: Head-to-head record in Tests
South Africa and Australia have a long and competitive Test rivalry, with both teams producing memorable contests across different conditions. Australia have historically held an advantage in the overall record, while South Africa have often been particularly competitive on home soil.
Note: A verified, up-to-date overall head-to-head total is not included here rather than risk publishing an inaccurate figure.
SA vs AUS: Predicted playing XIs
South Africa
Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, David Bedingham, Temba Bavuma (C), Tristan Stubbs, Wiaan Mulder, Kyle Verreynne (WK), Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Simon Harmer, Anrich Nortje.
Australia
Travis Head, Matthew Renshaw, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Cameron Green, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (WK), Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins (C), Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood.
Final playing XIs will be confirmed at the toss.
SA vs AUS: Probable best performers
Probable Best Batter: Steve Smith
Steve Smith will be one of Australia’s key batters in Durban. His experience in challenging Test conditions and ability to build long innings make him a crucial figure in Australia’s middle order. If South Africa’s fast bowlers find early movement, Smith’s technique and patience could prove valuable.
Probable Best Bowler: Marco Jansen
Marco Jansen could be a major threat for South Africa at Kingsmead. His height allows him to generate bounce, while his left-arm angle can trouble right-handed batters. With Rabada unavailable, Jansen will have added responsibility to lead the pace attack and create breakthroughs with the new ball.
SA vs AUS 1st Test: Match prediction
South Africa’s home advantage and their combination of seam bowling, all-round ability and spin give them a strong platform. However, Rabada’s absence is a significant setback, and the team will need Nortje, Jansen and Mulder to deliver consistent spells.
Australia possess a deep batting lineup and an experienced bowling attack capable of adapting to different conditions. If their top order handles the early movement and builds partnerships, they can put the hosts under pressure.
The opening sessions could be decisive. South Africa may look to strike early with pace, while Australia will aim to make the most of their batting depth. A competitive Test is expected, with the surface likely to become more favourable for spin as the match progresses.
Prediction: South Africa have a slight home-condition advantage, but Australia have the batting and bowling depth to make this a closely contested Test.
