South Africa vs Australia Test series, everything you need to know
Australia heads back to South Africa for a three-Test series for the first time since 2018 and the infamous Sandpapergate series. Here's everything you need to know.
The eagerly anticipated three-Test Test series between Australia and South Africa returns to South Africa after an eight-year hiatus. The series will take place at Kingsmead in Durban (October 9-13), St George's Park in Gqeberha (October 18-22), and Newlands in Cape Town (October 27-31). The first Test starts at 6:30pm AEDT, while the second ball of the first match will be bowled at 3:30pm in Western Australia.
Australia has historically enjoyed a stronger performance against South Africa, winning 54 of the 102 Test matches played between the two teams since 1902. However, South Africa holds a superior record at St George's Park in Gqeberha, having won four of the seven matches played there, including the last two. Australia, on the other hand, has dominated Newlands in Cape Town, winning 10 of the 14 Tests played there but only one of the last four.
The last Test between the two teams was held in June 2025, when South Africa triumphed at Lord's, effectively ending Australia's Test series. Australia's recent form includes a loss to Bangladesh in Darwin, which preceded their scheduled tour of South Africa. With South Africa having not played a Test match in 11 months, the upcoming series promises high-quality cricket.
Written by urgent.news from ABC News AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
