The South Africa vs Australia 1st Test starts on October 9 at Kingsmead in Durban, with play beginning at 1:00 PM IST. South Africa have already confirmed their Playing XI for the series opener.
Australia still have a few selection decisions to make after Cameron Green’s injury ruled him out. South Africa will also miss Kagiso Rabada, while Anrich Nortje returns to the Test side.
This article covers South Africa’s confirmed Playing XI, Australia’s predicted XI, the Test series schedule, squads, head-to-head record and live streaming details.
South Africa Confirmed Playing XI For South Africa vs Australia 1st Test
South Africa has named their Playing XI for the series opener, with their bowling combination attracting particular attention.
Here is the South Africa Playing XI in batting order:
- Aiden Markram
- Ryan Rickelton
- David Bedingham
- Temba Bavuma (c)
- Tristan Stubbs
- Wiaan Mulder
- Kyle Verreynne (wk)
- Marco Jansen
- Simon Harmer
- Keshav Maharaj
- Anrich Nortje
South Africa have selected two frontline spinners in Simon Harmer and Keshav Maharaj, while Nortje returns to the Test side for the first time since 2023. Marco Jansen and Nortje are expected to lead the pace attack, with Mulder providing another seam option.
Australia Predicted Playing XI
Australia have not yet confirmed their Playing XI. Cameron Green’s absence leaves the selectors with a key decision in the middle order.
The selectors also have to balance their batting depth with the conditions expected in Durban.
Here is the predicted Australia Playing XI in batting order:
- Travis Head
- Matthew Renshaw
- Marnus Labuschagne
- Steve Smith
- Nic Maddinson
- Alex Carey (wk)
- Beau Webster
- Pat Cummins (c)
- Mitchell Starc
- Nathan Lyon
- Josh Hazlewood
Maddinson is the leading option to replace Green in the middle order, while Webster can provide another seam-bowling option. Australia are also expected to rely on their established pace trio of Cummins, Starc and Hazlewood, with Lyon as the frontline spinner.
South Africa vs Australia Test Series Schedule
The three-Test series will take both teams to three South African venues across October. The opening Test starts in Durban, followed by matches in Gqeberha and Cape Town.
Here is the complete South Africa vs Australia Test series schedule:
| Day and Date | Format | Teams | Time [IST / GMT / Local] | Venue | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Friday, October 9, 2026 | 1st Test | South Africa vs Australia | 1:00 PM / 7:30 AM / 9:30 AM | Kingsmead, Durban | TBD |
| Sunday, October 18, 2026 | 2nd Test | South Africa vs Australia | 1:30 PM / 8:00 AM / 10:00 AM | St George’s Park, Gqeberha | TBD |
| Tuesday, October 27, 2026 | 3rd Test | South Africa vs Australia | 2:00 PM / 8:30 AM / 10:30 AM | Newlands, Cape Town | TBD |
South Africa vs Australia 2026 Test Series Squads
Both South Africa and Australia have named their best for the three-match Test series, with injuries already affecting the combinations for the opening match.
Here are the squads for the South Africa vs Australia 2026 Test Series:
South Africa Test Squad
Temba Bavuma (Captain), Marques Ackerman, Aiden Markram, Senuran Muthusamy, Corbin Bosch, Marco Jansen, Wiaan Mulder, David Bedingham, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne, Gerald Coetzee, Simon Harmer, Anrich Nortje, Dane Paterson, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj.
Australia Test Squad
Pat Cummins (Captain), Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Matt Renshaw, Steven Smith, Nic Maddinson, Cooper Connolly, Cameron Green, Beau Webster, Michael Neser, Alex Carey, Josh Inglis, Sam Harper, Scott Boland, Josh Hazlewood, Matthew Kuhnemann, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Starc.
Josh Inglis is unavailable for the first Test because of a fractured finger and is expected to return for the second Test.
South Africa vs Australia Head-to-Head in Tests
South Africa and Australia have faced each other 102 times in Test cricket. Australia hold the overall advantage with 54 wins, while South Africa have won 27 Tests and 21 matches have ended in draws.
Here is the complete head-to-head record between South Africa and Australia in tests:
| Team | Matches | Won | Lost | Draw |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | 102 | 54 | 27 | 21 |
| South Africa | 102 | 27 | 54 | 21 |
How to Watch South Africa vs Australia 1st Test Live In India?
Indian viewers can watch the South Africa vs Australia 1st Test live on Eurosport Network on TV. Live streaming will be available on the FanCode app and website, with a pass available for ₹35.
Take a look at how to watch the 1st Test live in different countries:
| Region | TV / Streaming Platform |
|---|---|
| South Africa | SuperSport and DStv Stream |
| Australia | Fox Cricket and Kayo Sports |
| United Kingdom | Sky Sports Cricket |
| USA & Canada | Willow TV |
Suggested Read:
Conclusion
The South Africa vs Australia Test series brings together two experienced sides with plenty of quality across their squads. The opening match should offer an early indication of how both teams shape up across the series.
With several established names and emerging players in the squads, the three Tests provide plenty to follow. Fans can now keep track of the final selections, match timings and live coverage as the series gets underway.
FAQs
Yes. South Africa have won 10 Test matches in Australia. The teams have played 44 Tests there, with Australia winning 23 and 11 ending in draws.
The first Test starts on October 9 at 1:00 PM IST (9:30 AM local time) in Durban. The second starts at 1:30 PM IST, while the third begins at 2:00 PM IST.
Yes. Australia and South Africa will play a three-Test series from October 9 to 31, 2026. The Tests will be held in Durban, Gqeberha and Cape Town.
In India, the series will be available live on Eurosport, with streaming on FanCode. Australian viewers can watch the series on Fox Cricket and Kayo Sports.
Yes. South Africa scored 438/9 while chasing Australia’s 434/4 in an ODI at Johannesburg on March 12, 2006. They won by one wicket with one ball remaining.
