The Australia vs South Africa Test series 2026 is set to begin on October 9, with the two teams scheduled to play a three-Test series as part of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025–27 cycle.
The series comes only months after South Africa defeated Australia in the 2025 World Test Championship Final at Lord’s. With both teams competing for valuable WTC points, the upcoming series will be an important part of their campaigns for a place in the 2027 WTC Final.
Australia vs South Africa Test Series 2026 Schedule
Australia and South Africa will play three Tests across Durban, Gqeberha and Cape Town.
Test | Date | Venue | City |
|---|---|---|---|
1st Test | October 9–13, 2026 | Kingsmead | Durban |
2nd Test | October 18–22, 2026 | St George’s Park | Gqeberha |
3rd Test | October 27–31, 2026 | Newlands Cricket Ground | Cape Town |
The opening Test will be played at Kingsmead in Durban on October 9, followed by the second Test at St George’s Park and the series finale at Newlands.
Australia Test Squad
Australia have named a 16-member squad for the Test series, with Pat Cummins continuing as captain.
Australia squad:
Pat Cummins (c)
Scott Boland
Alex Carey
Cooper Connolly
Cameron Green
Josh Hazlewood
Travis Head
Josh Inglis
Matthew Kuhnemann
Marnus Labuschagne
Nathan Lyon
Michael Neser
Matthew Renshaw
Steve Smith
Mitchell Starc
Beau Webster
Australia's squad features considerable Test experience, with players such as Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon and Pat Cummins forming the core of the side.
Cooper Connolly, Matthew Kuhnemann and Michael Neser also provide additional options for the team management.
South Africa Test Squad
South Africa initially named an 18-player preliminary squad for the first Test.
South Africa squad:
Temba Bavuma (c)
Aiden Markram
Ryan Rickelton
Tony de Zorzi
Tristan Stubbs
David Bedingham
Kyle Verreynne
Wiaan Mulder
Marco Jansen
Keshav Maharaj
Kagiso Rabada
Anrich Nortje
Gerald Coetzee
Dane Paterson
Senuran Muthusamy
Nandre Burger
Marques Ackerman
Lhuan-dre Pretorius
Kagiso Rabada has been included in the preliminary group while continuing his recovery from a right hamstring injury.
South Africa have also recalled experienced fast bowler Anrich Nortje, who had not played a Test since 2023.
The Proteas are expected to reduce the preliminary group to a final 15 after further training, an intra-squad match and fitness assessments in Durban.
Australia vs South Africa Test Venues 2026
1st Test – Kingsmead, Durban
Dates: October 9–13, 2026
Venue: Kingsmead
City: Durban
The three-Test series will begin at Kingsmead in Durban, with both teams looking to make a strong start to their WTC campaign.
2nd Test – St George’s Park, Gqeberha
Dates: October 18–22, 2026
Venue: St George’s Park
City: Gqeberha
The second Test will take place at the historic St George’s Park, continuing the series in South Africa's Eastern Cape.
3rd Test – Newlands, Cape Town
Dates: October 27–31, 2026
Venue: Newlands Cricket Ground
City: Cape Town
The series will conclude at Newlands in Cape Town, one of South Africa's most renowned international cricket venues.
Australia vs South Africa Test Series 2026 Live Streaming
India
Current listings indicate that FanCode will provide live streaming coverage of the Australia vs South Africa Test series in India.
The television broadcast arrangement should be checked again closer to the start of the series, as broadcast information can change.
Australia
Australian viewers can follow the Test series through Kayo and Foxtel coverage, subject to the final broadcast schedule.
Other Countries
International broadcast and streaming rights vary by territory. Fans outside India and Australia should check their local broadcasters or the official Cricket Australia and Cricket South Africa platforms for the latest coverage information.
Why Australia vs South Africa Test Series 2026 Matters
The three-Test series carries additional significance because Australia and South Africa faced each other in the 2025 World Test Championship Final at Lord’s.
South Africa defeated Australia by five wickets to win the WTC title. The two sides will now meet again during the 2025–27 WTC cycle, with valuable championship points available across the three Tests.
Australia's tour is also notable because the team has not played a Test series in South Africa since 2018.
The combination of WTC points, recent history and the quality of both Test squads makes the series an important fixture on the 2026 cricket calendar.
Players to Watch
Australia
Pat Cummins: Australia's captain and one of the world's leading fast bowlers.
Steve Smith: The experienced batter remains a key part of Australia's Test batting lineup.
Travis Head: Head's aggressive approach can change the momentum of a Test match quickly.
Nathan Lyon: Australia's premier spin option and an important weapon in the middle and latter stages of a Test.
Mitchell Starc: His pace and left-arm angle will be a major part of Australia's bowling attack.
Josh Hazlewood: Known for his accuracy and ability to build pressure through long spells.
South Africa
Kagiso Rabada: One of South Africa's leading fast bowlers, with his fitness an important factor ahead of the series.
Aiden Markram: An experienced all-round cricketer who can influence matches with both bat and ball.
Temba Bavuma: South Africa's captain and an important figure in the team's batting lineup.
Keshav Maharaj: The experienced left-arm spinner provides South Africa with a different bowling option.
Marco Jansen: His combination of left-arm pace and batting ability makes him a valuable Test all-rounder.
Anrich Nortje: His return to the Test setup adds another pace option to South Africa's squad.
Australia vs South Africa Tests 2026 FAQs
When does the Australia vs South Africa Test series start?
The first Test begins on October 9, 2026, at Kingsmead in Durban.
How many Tests will Australia and South Africa play?
Australia and South Africa will play three Test matches.
Where will the first Test be played?
The first Test will be played at Kingsmead, Durban.
Where can I watch Australia vs South Africa Tests in India?
Current schedule information lists FanCode for live streaming in India. Broadcast details should be checked closer to the series.
Is Kagiso Rabada playing?
Kagiso Rabada has been included in South Africa's preliminary squad while recovering from a right hamstring injury. His final availability will depend on his recovery and the team's assessment before the Test.
Final Word
The Australia vs South Africa Test Series 2026 will bring together two sides with strong recent Test records and significant WTC ambitions. With three Tests scheduled across Durban, Gqeberha and Cape Town, the series promises plenty of attention as the 2025–27 World Test Championship cycle develops.
For cricket fans, the return of Australia to South Africa for a Test series adds another layer of interest, while the presence of players such as Pat Cummins, Steve Smith, Kagiso Rabada, Aiden Markram, Mitchell Starc and Marco Jansen should make this a closely followed contest.
Australia vs South Africa Test Series 2026 — Schedule, Squads, Venues and Live Streaming details will be updated as official information is confirmed.
