{
  "id": 12541507,
  "title": "Prediction: South Africa vs. Australia 1st Test lineups and pitch report for Kingsmead, Durban — Who do you think will win?",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/07/prediction-south-africa-vs-australia-1st-test-lineups-and-pitch",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-07T03:50:01.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/prediction-south-africa-vs-australia-035001819.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The first Test between South Africa and Australia at Kingsmead in Durban is set to commence on Friday, October 9, with the toss scheduled for 9.30 a.m. local time. Currently, Australia leads the 2025-2027 World Test Championship standings, while South Africa sits in second place, having triumphed over them in the 2025 final at Lord's. An injury to Kagiso Rabada has left South Africa uncertain about his involvement, but they will evaluate the situation before making a final decision. Anrich Nortje has returned to the squad, and Marques Ackerman, who was not part of the playing XI, is expected to open the batting in place of the uncapped player.\n\nAustralia will be without Josh Inglis, who has a fractured finger, and Cameron Green. Marnus Labuschagne scored 111 runs in the warm-up match held in Potchefstroom. Australia suffered a defeat of 230 runs in the first One-Day International at Kingsmead, and their batsmen struggled against spin bowling throughout the series, which South Africa won 2-1. Keshav Maharaj has a strong understanding of this pitch and will be supported by Simon Harmer as a second spinner if the conditions turn favorable. The hosts have a robust pace attack to compensate for the absence of Rabada if he is unable to play. Australia's batting lineup has been weakened by the loss of Josh Inglis and Cameron Green, who relied heavily on Steve Smith and Travis Head in their previous encounter against South Africa in Lord's last year. Home advantage should favor South Africa when pitted against the depleted Australian side.",
  "summary": "Read our South Africa vs. Australia 1st Test prediction, predicted lineups and Kingsmead pitch report, plus who we think will win the Durban opener on October 9.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}