After eight long years, Australia national cricket team will return to South Africa for a full-fledged Test tour, marking their first red-ball series in the country since the controversial 2018 Cape Town tour.
Cricket South Africa has officially unveiled its 2026-27 international fixtures, confirming a highly anticipated three-Test series between the reigning ICC World Test Championship finalists.
Return to Cape Town – A Historic Moment
The series will conclude at the iconic Newlands Cricket Ground in Cape Town, the venue where the infamous 2018 ball-tampering scandal unfolded.
Several senior Australian players, including Pat Cummins, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, and Josh Hazlewood, are expected to headline the return.
However, former opener David Warner has since retired, while Cameron Bancroft is unlikely to feature.
ODI Series Before Test Battle
The tour will begin with a three-match ODI series in September 2026:
1st ODI – September 24, Durban
2nd ODI – September 27, Johannesburg
3rd ODI – September 30, Potchefstroom
A warm-up match will follow before the Test series kicks off in October.
Full Test Series Schedule
1st Test: October 9-13 – Durban
2nd Test: October 18-22 – Gqeberha
3rd Test: October 27-31 – Cape Town
The three-Test battle is expected to play a major role in shaping the next ICC World Test Championship final race.
Big Season for South Africa
The South Africa national cricket team will defend its World Test Championship title during a busy home season. After Australia, they will host Bangladesh and England for multi-format tours.
Due to financial restructuring and the rise of the SA20 league, South Africa has reduced their Test commitments in recent years. However, this summer marks a significant return to red-ball cricket at home.
Why This Series Matters
- First Australia Test tour of SA since 2018
- Return to the Newlands venue
- WTC points at stake
- High-profile rivalry between the last two champions
The 2026 Australia tour of South Africa promises intense cricket, emotional returns, and major World Test Championship implications.
