The Australia Tour of South Africa 2026 is one of the biggest international cricket series of the year, featuring three One Day Internationals followed by three Test matches between two of world cricket’s strongest teams.
The tour begins with the 1st ODI in Durban on September 24, 2026, before the teams move to Johannesburg and Potchefstroom. After a short break and a two-day warm-up match, attention turns to the three-Test series beginning at Kingsmead on October 9.
The Tests will then be played in Gqeberha and Cape Town, with the tour scheduled to finish at Newlands on October 31, 2026.
The series is particularly important because the ODIs provide valuable preparation for the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, which will be co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia, while the Tests form part of the ICC World Test Championship.
Australia Tour of South Africa 2026
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Series | Australia Tour of South Africa 2026 |
| Teams | South Africa vs Australia |
| Host | South Africa |
| Start Date | September 24, 2026 |
| End Date | October 31, 2026 |
| ODIs | 3 |
| Tests | 3 |
| T20Is | None |
| Australia ODI Captain | Mitchell Marsh |
| Australia Test Captain | Pat Cummins |
| South Africa ODI Captain | Temba Bavuma |
| Test Series | ICC World Test Championship |
| First ODI | September 24 – Durban |
| First Test | October 9 – Durban |
| Final Test | October 27–31 – Cape Town |
This is Australia’s first Test tour of South Africa since 2018.
Australia Tour of South Africa 2026 Full Schedule
ODI Series
| Match | Date | Venue | Local Time | India Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st ODI | September 24 | Kingsmead, Durban | 10:00 AM | 1:30 PM IST |
| 2nd ODI | September 27 | Wanderers, Johannesburg | 10:00 AM | 1:30 PM IST |
| 3rd ODI | September 30 | JB Marks Oval, Potchefstroom | 1:30 PM | 5:00 PM IST |
Cricket South Africa currently lists all three matches as upcoming, with the first ODI scheduled for September 24.
Warm-Up Match
Australia are also scheduled to play a two-day warm-up match at JB Marks Oval in Potchefstroom on October 3–4 ahead of the Test series.
Test Series
| Match | Date | Venue | Scheduled Local Start |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Test | October 9–13 | Kingsmead, Durban | 9:30 AM |
| 2nd Test | October 18–22 | St George’s Park, Gqeberha | 10:00 AM |
| 3rd Test | October 27–31 | Newlands, Cape Town | 10:30 AM |
Australia’s official schedule confirms that the Test series finishes at Newlands in Cape Town, not Johannesburg.
South Africa vs Australia 1st ODI 2026
Date: September 24, 2026
Venue: Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium, Durban
Time: 10:00 AM local / 1:30 PM IST
The tour opens in Durban with both teams fielding strong ODI squads.
South Africa welcome back several senior players who were rested for their recent series against Namibia, including Temba Bavuma, Quinton de Kock, David Miller, Aiden Markram and Marco Jansen.
Australia, meanwhile, have strengthened the squad that recently completed a 3-0 ODI sweep in Zimbabwe.
Fast bowlers Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc have joined the group for the South Africa leg.
Mitchell Marsh to Continue as ODI Captain
Although Pat Cummins is Australia’s official ODI captain and has returned to the squad, Mitchell Marsh is set to continue leading the side during this series.
Australia’s latest tour update lists Marsh as the captain and Cummins as part of the playing group.
That allows Cummins to focus on his bowling workload ahead of the three-Test series.
South Africa vs Australia 2nd ODI 2026
Date: September 27, 2026
Venue: DP World Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg
Time: 10:00 AM local / 1:30 PM IST
The second ODI will be played at the Wanderers and doubles as South Africa’s famous Pink Day fixture. Cricket South Africa confirmed the Wanderers match as part of its 2026–27 home schedule.
The Wanderers is traditionally known for fast outfields and the potential for high-scoring limited-overs cricket.
Aiden Markram is expected to be available for the second and third ODIs after missing the opening match.
South Africa vs Australia 3rd ODI 2026
Date: September 30, 2026
Venue: JB Marks Oval, Potchefstroom
Time: 1:30 PM local / 5:00 PM IST
Match Type: Day/Night
The final ODI moves to Potchefstroom.
It will be the last competitive white-ball match before both teams switch their focus to Test cricket.
Given that South Africa will co-host the 2027 ODI World Cup, the series gives Australia valuable experience at venues and in conditions similar to those they will encounter during their title defence next year.
Australia ODI Squad vs South Africa 2026
Australia’s updated squad for the South Africa ODIs includes:
Travis Head, Matt Renshaw, Cooper Connolly, Cameron Green, Mitchell Marsh, Oliver Peake, Jack Edwards, Alex Carey, Josh Inglis, Xavier Bartlett, Pat Cummins, Joel Davies, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa
Jack Edwards was added as cover after Australia travelled from Zimbabwe to South Africa. Billy Stanlake suffered a side strain in Zimbabwe, while Spencer Johnson returned home.
Cummins and Starc Return
Australia deliberately rested Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc during the Zimbabwe ODI series before bringing both fast bowlers back for South Africa.
Their return creates a formidable pace group alongside Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Ellis and Xavier Bartlett.
Cummins is also using the ODI series as preparation for the Tests that follow.
South Africa ODI Squad vs Australia 2026
South Africa’s updated 16-player ODI squad is:
Temba Bavuma (Captain), Tony de Zorzi, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Corbin Bosch, Marco Jansen, Matthew Breetzke, Quinton de Kock, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Gerald Coetzee, Bjorn Fortuin, Keshav Maharaj, Duan Jansen, Nqobani Mokoena, Lizaad Williams
South Africa Hit by Fast-Bowling Injuries
South Africa’s preparations have been complicated by injuries.
Kagiso Rabada, Ottneil Baartman and Lungi Ngidi have all been ruled out of the ODI series with hamstring problems.
Gerald Coetzee has returned to the ODI setup, while Duan Jansen and 20-year-old pacer Nqobani Mokoena have been brought into the squad.
Ngidi’s availability for the subsequent Test series is due to be assessed closer to October 9.
Quinton de Kock and David Miller Return
Two particularly important names in South Africa’s ODI squad are Quinton de Kock and David Miller.
Neither currently holds a Cricket South Africa central contract, but both remain part of the national ODI setup.
Miller enters the series with an excellent historical ODI record against Australia. Reuters reports that he averages more than 57 against them and has a highest score of 139.
Australia Test Squad for South Africa 2026
Australia have already named a strong 16-player Test squad:
Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Matt Renshaw, Steven Smith, Cooper Connolly, Cameron Green, Beau Webster, Michael Neser, Alex Carey, Josh Inglis, Pat Cummins (Captain), Scott Boland, Josh Hazlewood, Matthew Kuhnemann, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Starc
The squad contains Australia’s established pace trio of Cummins, Starc and Hazlewood, backed by Scott Boland and Michael Neser.
Nathan Lyon remains the leading spinner, while left-armer Matthew Kuhnemann provides a second specialist spin option.
Marnus Labuschagne Retains Test Place
One of the major talking points surrounding Australia’s Test squad is Marnus Labuschagne.
Labuschagne has been left out of the ODI team but retains his Test place despite a prolonged run without a Test century. Australian selectors have also indicated that the batting order remains open to adjustment.
The tour carries extra personal significance for Labuschagne, who was born in South Africa.
He will be competing with several batters and all-rounders for a place in Australia’s strongest XI, including Matthew Renshaw and Cooper Connolly.
South Africa Test Squad
As of September 23, 2026, South Africa have not yet announced their final Test squad for the three-match series.
That is important for readers because players such as Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi have injury concerns and their Test availability is still being assessed.
The squad should therefore be updated once Cricket South Africa makes its official announcement rather than assuming the ODI group will also form the Test side.
South Africa vs Australia 1st Test – Durban
Dates: October 9–13, 2026
Venue: Kingsmead, Durban
After opening the ODI series at Kingsmead, the teams return to Durban for the first Test.
Conditions in Durban can offer movement to fast bowlers, particularly early in the South African summer.
Mitchell Starc said recent rain means there is some uncertainty around how Kingsmead will play, with the possibility of conditions being more seam-friendly than the dry surfaces Australia experienced in Zimbabwe.
South Africa vs Australia 2nd Test – Gqeberha
Dates: October 18–22, 2026
Venue: St George’s Park, Gqeberha
The second Test will be played at one of South Africa’s oldest international grounds.
St George’s Park often offers a slightly different challenge from Durban, with reverse swing and spin potentially becoming more important as matches progress.
The eight-day gap between the first and second Tests also provides both teams with useful recovery time.
South Africa vs Australia 3rd Test – Cape Town
Dates: October 27–31, 2026
Venue: Newlands, Cape Town
The series finale at Newlands carries significant historical context.
It will be Australia’s first Test at Newlands since the controversial 2018 series, when the ball-tampering scandal erupted during the Cape Town Test.
The cricket context in 2026 is very different, but the return inevitably gives the final Test additional attention.
Australia vs South Africa – WTC Importance
The three Tests are part of the ICC World Test Championship.
The ICC has described the series as potentially important in determining which teams qualify for the next WTC Final at The Oval.
It also represents the teams’ first Test meeting since their World Test Championship Final encounter in 2025.
That means every Test victory—and every WTC point—can have implications beyond the series itself.
Why the ODI Series Matters for the 2027 World Cup
The ODI series may be only three matches long, but its timing and location make it particularly useful.
The 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup will be held in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
Australia are the defending ODI world champions and have been using their September tours of Zimbabwe and South Africa to give both established players and younger prospects experience in southern African conditions.
Players such as:
- Cooper Connolly
- Oliver Peake
- Joel Davies
- Jack Edwards
- Matthew Renshaw
have therefore been given opportunities alongside established names including Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Adam Zampa.
Australia Tour of South Africa 2026 FAQs
When does the Australia Tour of South Africa 2026 start?
The tour begins with the 1st ODI in Durban on September 24, 2026.
How many matches will Australia play in South Africa?
Australia will play six internationals—three ODIs and three Tests—plus a two-day warm-up match before the Test series.
Is there a T20 series between South Africa and Australia?
No. The 2026 tour consists of three ODIs and three Tests, with no T20Is scheduled.
When is the South Africa vs Australia ODI series?
The three matches are scheduled for September 24, September 27 and September 30, 2026.
When does the Test series start?
The first Test begins in Durban on October 9, 2026.
Where will the Australia vs South Africa Tests be played?
The Tests are at Kingsmead in Durban, St George’s Park in Gqeberha and Newlands in Cape Town.
Who is Australia’s ODI captain?
Mitchell Marsh is set to continue captaining Australia during the South Africa ODI series despite Pat Cummins returning to the squad.
Who is Australia’s Test captain?
Pat Cummins captains Australia’s Test team.
Who is South Africa’s ODI captain?
Temba Bavuma will lead South Africa in the ODI series.
Is Kagiso Rabada playing in the ODI series?
No. Rabada has been ruled out because of a hamstring concern. His availability for the Test series is still to be assessed.
Is Lungi Ngidi playing against Australia?
Ngidi will miss the ODI series with a right hamstring injury. His Test availability will be determined closer to the start of the five-day series.
Are Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc playing in the ODIs?
Yes. Both have joined Australia’s squad for the South Africa leg after being rested during the Zimbabwe ODI series.
When does the tour finish?
The third Test at Newlands is scheduled from October 27–31, 2026.
Final Words
The Australia Tour of South Africa 2026 brings together two heavyweight international sides across six matches from September 24 to October 31.
The tour starts with three ODIs in Durban, Johannesburg and Potchefstroom, where both teams will gather valuable experience ahead of the 2027 World Cup.
Australia arrive with Mitchell Marsh, Travis Head, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Adam Zampa, while South Africa counter with Temba Bavuma, Quinton de Kock, David Miller, Aiden Markram, Marco Jansen and Keshav Maharaj.
The focus then shifts to the longer format for three major World Test Championship encounters in Durban, Gqeberha and Cape Town. Australia have already named a powerful Test squad led by Pat Cummins, while South Africa’s final Test squad is still awaited as of September 23.
With ODI World Cup preparation, crucial WTC points and Australia’s first Test return to South Africa since 2018 all part of the story, South Africa vs Australia 2026 promises to be one of the standout cricket tours of the year.
