Australia tour of South Africa Test Series, 2026

South Africa and Australia are set to renew one of Test cricket’s fiercest rivalries in a three-match series beginning on 9 October 2026 at Kingsmead in Durban. The series will then move to St George’s Park in Gqeberha for the second Test from 18 October, before concluding at Newlands in Cape Town from 27 October. It will be Australia’s first Test tour of South Africa since the dramatic 2018 series, adding another layer of history to a contest between two of the strongest red-ball sides in world cricket.

South Africa head into the Test leg after winning the preceding ODI series 2-1 and will be looking to carry that momentum into the longer format. Their bowling resources remain a major strength, although Kagiso Rabada’s availability for the opening Test is still being assessed as he works his way back from a hamstring injury. Anrich Nortje is also in contention for a return to Test cricket after a lengthy absence, while South Africa have further pace and spin options including Marco Jansen, Gerald Coetzee, Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj and Simon Harmer. Playing at home, the Proteas will expect their varied attack to pose a demanding examination for Australia across three very different venues.

Australia, meanwhile, arrive with their own selection questions ahead of Durban. Cameron Green has been ruled out of the first Test after suffering an abdominal strain during the ODI series, although he could return later in the contest depending on his recovery. Marnus Labuschagne strengthened his case ahead of the series with a century in Australia’s warm-up match against a South African Invitation XI in Potchefstroom. With Kingsmead, St George’s Park and Newlands each capable of presenting different challenges, adaptability with both bat and ball should be crucial as Australia attempt to succeed in South Africa for the first time since their 2018 tour ended in a 3-1 series defeat.