South Africa will face Australia in the first Test of their three-match series at Kingsmead in Durban from October 9 to 13, 2026. The series marks Australia’s first Test tour of South Africa since 2018.
The first Test is also important in the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27. Australia are at the top of the table with eight wins and two losses from 10 matches, while South Africa are second with three wins and one loss from four. A win in Durban will help either side strengthen its position.
South Africa will enter the series with strong momentum after beating Australia 2-1 in the preceding ODI series. They have also won 13 of their last 14 Tests, including their WTC final victory over Australia in June 2025. Temba Bavuma’s side will look to use home conditions to take an early lead.
Australia will aim to respond after the ODI series defeat. Pat Cummins’ side has won eight of its last 10 Tests, but Cameron Green will miss the series because of an abdominal strain. The visitors still have an experienced batting unit and a formidable pace attack suited to the conditions in Durban.
SA vs AUS Match Preview & Recent Form
South Africa have a balanced squad combining experienced players with emerging talent. Marques Ackerman has also received his maiden Test call-up after Tony de Zorzi’s injury.
Kagiso Rabada has recovered from a hamstring problem and will lead the bowling unit alongside Anrich Nortje and Gerald Coetzee. Marco Jansen and Wiaan Mulder provide all-round options, while Keshav Maharaj will handle the main spin duties on his home ground.
Australia will rely on experienced batters such as Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne. Both players picked up valuable runs in the recent tour match, while Travis Head and Matthew Renshaw are expected to provide an attacking start at the top.
Pat Cummins will lead a pace attack featuring Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Scott Boland, while Nathan Lyon provides the main spin option. Starc arrives in strong form after taking 12 wickets against Bangladesh and will be a major threat on the Kingsmead surface.
SA vs AUS Live Streaming, Live Telecast: Where To Watch 1st Test?
Cricket fans in India can watch the live telecast of the South Africa vs Australia first Test on Eurosport. The match will also be available for live streaming on the FanCode app and website, which holds the digital streaming rights for the series.
In South Africa, fans can watch the Test live on SuperSport, while viewers in Australia can follow the action on Fox Cricket and Kayo Sports. The first Test will begin at 1:00 PM IST (7:30 AM local time / 6:30 PM AEDT) on October 9.
SA vs AUS Pitch Report: How Will Kingsmead Play?
The Kingsmead pitch in Durban traditionally offers plenty of help to seamers, especially early in the Test. The coastal conditions and morning moisture can help fast bowlers generate movement and bounce with the new ball.
As the Test progresses, the surface is expected to dry out and become slower. This could bring spinners into the game, with the pitch offering more grip and turn in the later stages. The average first-innings score at the venue is 295 runs.
The captain winning the toss is likely to bat first. Batters will look to survive the difficult opening period before taking advantage of better batting conditions. Chasing a target in the fourth innings could become difficult.
Kingsmead Test Stats
-
Total Matches: 47
-
Won Batting First: 20
-
Won Bowling First: 13
-
Average 1st Innings Score: 295
-
Average 2nd Innings Score: 255
-
Average 3rd Innings Score: 260
-
Average 4th Innings Score: 199
-
Highest Team Total: 658/9 decl (South Africa vs West Indies)
-
Lowest Team Total: 42 (Sri Lanka vs South Africa)
-
Highest Score Chased: 340/5 (South Africa vs Australia)
-
Lowest Score Defended: 166 (New Zealand vs South Africa)
-
Highest Individual Score: 275 (Gary Kirsten, South Africa vs England, 1999)
-
Best Bowling in an Innings: 8/69 (Hugh Tayfield, South Africa vs England, 1957)
-
Best Bowling in a Match: 13/173 (Clarrie Grimmett, Australia vs South Africa, 1936)
SA vs AUS Weather Forecast & Rain Threat at Kingsmead
The weather forecast for Durban suggests partly cloudy conditions throughout the five-day Test, with daytime temperatures between 25°C and 28°C.
There is a 20% to 35% chance of light rain or brief showers on the first two days, October 9 and 10. The forecast looks largely dry for the remaining days, so while rain could cause short interruptions early in the Test, a major impact on the match is unlikely.
SA vs AUS Team News & Injury Updates
Kagiso Rabada has recovered from a hamstring injury but will miss the game. Top-order batter Tony de Zorzi has been ruled out.
Australia will be without all-rounder Cameron Green for the first Test due to an abdominal strain. He remains with the squad and could return later in the series. Reserve wicketkeeper Josh Inglis has returned to Perth after fracturing a finger, while Nic Maddinson and Sam Harper have been called up as cover.
SA vs AUS Predicted Playing 11 Today
South Africa XI for the first Test: Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, David Bedingham, Temba Bavuma (c), Tristan Stubbs, Wiaan Mulder, Kyle Verryenne (wk), Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Simon Harmer, Anrich Nortje
Australia Predicted Playing XI: Travis Head, Matthew Renshaw, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Cooper Connolly, Alex Carey (wk), Beau Webster, Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon.
SA vs AUS Key Player Battles to Watch
Steve Smith vs Anrich Nortje:
Steve Smith will anchor Australia’s middle order. The South African pacer can use the Kingsmead conditions to generate seam movement and attack Smith early before the batter settles into his innings.
Tristan Stubbs vs Pat Cummins:
Tristan Stubbs has an impressive record at Kingsmead and will look to attack in the middle sessions. Pat Cummins can counter him with accurate bowling and short-pitched deliveries.
Travis Head vs Marco Jansen:
Travis Head will look to attack from the top of the order, while Marco Jansen can use his height to generate steep bounce and movement. The South African all-rounder could target Head with short deliveries.
SA vs AUS Key Players to Watch:
-
South Africa: Anrich Nortje, Tristan Stubbs, Marco Jansen
-
Australia: Steve Smith, Pat Cummins, Travis Head
