Schedule revealed for Aussies' Test return to South Africa

Australia’s cricket schedule is set to return to South Africa for a multi-format tour in the 2026-27 season, marking the first Test series between the two nations in South African territory in eight years. The tour, confirmed by Cricket South Africa, will begin with a three-match ODI series in September before culminating in a highly anticipated three-Test contest.

A Return to Familiar – and Fraught – Ground

The Test series holds particular significance as it includes a return to Newlands Cricket Ground in Cape Town. This venue is infamous as the site of the 2018 ball-tampering scandal that deeply impacted Australian cricket. Several players involved in that incident, including Pat Cummins, Steve Smith, and Mitchell Starc, have since returned to play at Newlands in a T20I match in 2020.

Did You Know? Australia has not toured South Africa for a long-form Test series in eight years.

However, the composition of the Australian team will differ from 2018. David Warner, Steve Smith, Usman Khawaja, and Tim Paine have all retired from international cricket. Cameron Bancroft, who also faced suspension in connection with the scandal, is unlikely to be considered for selection. The return of players like Cummins, Smith, Nathan Lyon, and Josh Hazlewood will undoubtedly be a central narrative leading up to the series.

South Africa’s Test Landscape

The upcoming series represents a significant moment for South Africa, as it will be their first time hosting Tests – men’s or women’s – in nearly two years. Despite a strong performance as the World Test Championship winners last year, South Africa has reduced the number of Tests hosted due to financial constraints. The SA20 competition, with its IPL franchise ownership, now occupies a prominent position in their summer schedule.

Expert Insight: The reduction in hosted Test matches by South Africa highlights the growing financial pressures within international cricket and the increasing influence of franchise-based leagues. This could lead to a shift in the global cricketing calendar, prioritizing shorter formats and commercially lucrative events.

South Africa is also scheduled to host Bangladesh and England for Test matches during the same southern summer. Before facing the Proteas, Australia is expected to play 50-over matches against Zimbabwe.

Implications for the World Test Championship

The Australia-South Africa Test series is poised to be a crucial component in determining the contenders for next year’s World Test Championship final. Australia currently leads the standings with only one defeat in eight games. However, they face challenging away series in both South Africa and India, alongside a home series against second-placed New Zealand. Australia will also host Bangladesh in August prior to their African tour.

AUSTRALIA MEN’S TOUR OF SOUTH AFRICA 2026

ODI Series
First ODI: September 24, Kingsmead Stadium, Durban
Second ODI: September 27, Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg
Third ODI: September 30, JB Marks Oval, Potchefstroom (D/N)

Warmup Match
October 3-4, JB Marks Oval, Potchefstroom

Test Series
First Test: October 9-13, Kingsmead Stadium, Durban
Second Test: October 18-22, St George’s Park, Gqeberha
Third Test: October 27-31, Newlands Cricket Ground, Cape Town

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the first ODI between Australia and South Africa take place?

The first ODI is scheduled for September 24 at Kingsmead Stadium in Durban.

Where will the final Test match of the series be played?

The third and final Test match will be played at Newlands Cricket Ground in Cape Town.

What other Test series are scheduled for South Africa this southern summer?

South Africa will also host Test series against Bangladesh and England.

As Australia prepares for this challenging tour, what impact do you foresee the return to Newlands having on the team’s performance and the overall narrative of the series?

Schedule revealed for Aussies’ Test return to South Africa