Australia win toss and choose to bat in first Test against Proteas
The match will be the 103rd encounter played between the Proteas and the Baggy Greens in the longest format since the nations first met in 1902.
In the opening Test match of a three-match series, Australia captain Pat Cummins made the strategic decision to bat first, following their successful toss earlier on day one at Kingsmead Stadium in Durban. This encounter marks the first Test series between the two nations in South Africa since 2018, and comes after a gap of several years.
The Proteas won their most recent meeting in the World Test Championship final last year, while Australia have triumphed in the last two series between them in the longest format. The historical rivalry between the two teams spans 102 five-day matches since 1902, with South Africa claiming 27 victories, Australia 54, and 21 matches ending in draws.
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