South Africa and Australia are set to renew their Test rivalry when they meet in the first match of the three-Test series at Kingsmead in Durban, starting October 9, 2026.
The series is part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle and carries significant importance for both sides. Australia currently sit at the top of the WTC standings, while defending champions South Africa are in second place.
With valuable WTC points at stake, the opening Test in Durban could have a major impact on the standings and set the tone for the remainder of the series.
South Africa vs Australia 1st Test: Match Details
Details | Information |
|---|---|
Match | |
Date | October 9-13, 2026 |
Venue | Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium, Durban |
Start Time | 1:00 PM IST |
Local Time | 9:30 AM |
Format | Test |
South Africa Captain | Temba Bavuma |
Australia Captain | Pat Cummins |
The first Test is scheduled to begin at 9:30 AM local time on October 9.
South Africa Team News
South Africa have named an 18-player preliminary squad for the opening Test.
Marques Ackerman has received his maiden Test call-up following an impressive run for South Africa A. Fast bowlers Anrich Nortje and Gerald Coetzee have also returned to the Test setup.
The major selection concern remains Kagiso Rabada. The experienced fast bowler has been recovering from a hamstring injury and has been training in Durban. South Africa are expected to make a late decision on his availability after assessing his fitness.
Rabada's presence would provide a major boost to the hosts, particularly on a Kingsmead surface traditionally known for helping fast bowlers.
South Africa Squad
Temba Bavuma (c), Marques Ackerman, David Bedingham, Corbin Bosch, Gerald Coetzee, Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Anrich Nortje, Dane Paterson, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne.
Australia Team News
Australia will begin the series without Cameron Green in Durban.
Green suffered an abdominal strain during the third ODI against South Africa and has been ruled out of the opening Test. His recent shoulder issues also mean he is not expected to bowl during the series.
Wicketkeeper Josh Inglis is another absentee for the first Test after suffering a fractured right index finger. Sam Harper and Nic Maddinson have been added as cover.
Australia, however, still have considerable experience in their squad, particularly in the pace department with Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood.
Australia Squad
Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cooper Connolly, Cameron Green, Sam Harper, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Nic Maddinson, Michael Neser, Matthew Renshaw, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Beau Webster.
South Africa Predicted Playing XI
Ryan Rickelton
Aiden Markram
Tristan Stubbs
David Bedingham
Kyle Verreynne (wk)
Wiaan Mulder
Marco Jansen
Keshav Maharaj
Anrich Nortje
Kagiso Rabada*
Australia Predicted Playing XI
Matt Renshaw
Marnus Labuschagne
Steve Smith
Travis Head
Beau Webster
Cooper Connolly
Alex Carey (wk)
Pat Cummins (c)
Nathan Lyon
Mitchell Starc
Josh Hazlewood
Rabada's inclusion remains subject to his final fitness assessment.
Kingsmead Pitch Report
Kingsmead has traditionally provided assistance to fast bowlers, particularly when there is movement through the air and off the surface.
The opening sessions could therefore be crucial for both batting line-ups. Batters may need to show patience early in their innings before attempting to take control of the game.
Australia's pace trio of Cummins, Starc and Hazlewood brings enormous experience, while South Africa will look to exploit home conditions with their own seam-bowling options.
If the pitch settles as the match progresses, batting could become easier, making the first-innings battle particularly important.
Key Players to Watch
Aiden Markram
Aiden Markram will be an important figure at the top of South Africa's batting order. His ability to score quickly while contributing with the ball gives the hosts valuable flexibility.
Marco Jansen
Marco Jansen's height, bounce and left-arm pace could make him a significant threat at Kingsmead. His ability to generate movement from a good length will be closely watched.
Steve Smith
Steve Smith remains one of Australia's most important Test batters. His experience and ability to handle challenging conditions could prove crucial against South Africa's pace attack.
Travis Head
Travis Head's aggressive batting style can change the momentum of a Test match quickly. Australia will look to him to put pressure on the South African bowlers.
Nathan Lyon
Nathan Lyon could become increasingly influential as the Test progresses. If the pitch begins to offer more turn, the veteran off-spinner could play a key role in Australia's attack.
South Africa vs Australia: What to Expect
The Durban Test brings together the same two teams that contested the 2025 World Test Championship final, which South Africa won at Lord's.
Australia will now have an opportunity to respond on South African soil in a three-match Test series.
The tour also marks Australia's first Test visit to South Africa since 2018, adding further significance to the contest.
With both teams competing for valuable World Test Championship points, the opening Test could prove decisive in shaping the series. South Africa will hope home conditions give them an advantage, while Australia will rely on their experienced batting and world-class pace attack.
The battle between South Africa's fast bowlers and Australia's experienced top order could ultimately determine which side takes the early advantage.
South Africa vs Australia 1st Test: Key Takeaways
South Africa and Australia begin their three-Test series in Durban on October 9.
The match is part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle.
Australia currently lead the WTC standings, with South Africa in second.
Kagiso Rabada's availability remains a major selection question for South Africa.
Cameron Green and Josh Inglis are unavailable for Australia's opening Test.
Kingsmead is expected to offer assistance to fast bowlers, particularly early in the match.
Steve Smith, Travis Head, Marco Jansen and Aiden Markram are among the key players to watch.
