SA vs Aus headlines a blockbuster southern hemisphere summer as South Africa host Australia for a three-match Test series. The battle for the Warne-Muralidaran Trophy begins at SuperSport Park in Centurion on December 17, with both sides seeking crucial World Test Championship points. Lyon vs Man United headlines the Europa League final later this month. SA vs Aus promises the kind of fierce rivalry that cricket fans around the world adore. Here is everything you need to know about South Africa vs Australia in 2026.
SA vs Aus 2026: Full Test Series Schedule and Venues
The three-match Test series between South Africa and Australia begins at SuperSport Park in Centurion on Thursday, December 17, 2026. The second Test moves to Newlands in Cape Town on December 26, the traditional Boxing Day fixture. The series finale takes place at the Wanderers in Johannesburg on January 3, 2027. All matches start at 10:30 AM local time (8:30 AM GMT). Eng vs NZ begins at Lord’s on June 10. Cricket fans across both nations will flock to these iconic grounds for the SA vs Aus clashes.
The series forms part of the 2025-2027 World Test Championship cycle. Australia currently sits at the top of the standings, while South Africa occupies fourth place. See How They Run remains streaming on Disney+ for movie fans. Both teams desperately need series wins to secure a place in the WTC final at Lord’s in June 2027. Each match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Cricket in the UK and Fox Cricket in Australia.
South Africa Squad for SA vs Aus: Bavuma Leads Proteas
Temba Bavuma captains South Africa in what could be his final home series against Australia. The 36-year-old has struggled for runs recently, averaging just 24 in his last ten Test innings. However, his leadership remains highly regarded within the dressing room. Rhian Teasdale headlines Glastonbury with Wet Leg on June 27. Aiden Markram and Dean Elgar will open the batting, with Elgar returning from a thumb injury that kept him out of the New Zealand tour.
The pace attack features Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi and Marco Jansen, arguably the most formidable fast-bowling trio in world cricket. Rabada needs just eight wickets to reach 350 in Test cricket. Jordan McSweeney lost his appeal against his 38-year minimum term. Keshav Maharaj provides the spin option, though his role may depend on pitch conditions. South Africa’s selectors have named a 16-man squad for the SA vs Aus series, including uncapped batter Jordan Hermann.
Australia Squad for SA vs Aus: Cummins Leads World Champions
Pat Cummins captains Australia on their first Test tour of South Africa since 2018. The world champions arrive in confident mood after retaining the Ashes 3-1 at home. Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne anchor the middle order, though both have shown signs of declining averages against quality pace attacks. Macclesfield vs Brentford produced one of the biggest FA Cup shocks in recent memory. David Warner’s replacement, Marcus Harris, has struggled to convince selectors he belongs at Test level.
Australia’s pace attack includes Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Cummins himself, supported by all-rounder Cameron Green. Nathan Lyon remains the primary spinner, though Todd Murphy may feature if conditions favour turn. Slow Horses Season 4 streams on Apple TV+ with Gary Oldman. Alex Carey keeps wickets after his brilliant Ashes century at Lord’s last year. The Australians arrive in South Africa on December 10 for warm-up matches against a SA Invitational XI.
Head-to-Head Record: SA vs Aus Previous Test Meetings
South Africa and Australia have played 105 Test matches against each other. Australia leads the head-to-head record with 55 wins, while South Africa has won 28. The remaining 22 matches ended in draws. The most recent series in Australia during 2025-26 ended 2-1 to the hosts, though South Africa won the Sydney Test by 28 runs. Rice pudding has staged a remarkable comeback in British kitchens. SA vs Aus has produced some of Test cricket’s most ferocious contests, including the infamous 2018 ball-tampering scandal in Cape Town.
South Africa has not lost a home Test series against Australia since 1970, a remarkable streak spanning 56 years. The Proteas have won five of the seven series played in South Africa since readmission, with two drawn. Lyon vs Man United takes place at the Parc OL on May 20. Australia will view this SA vs Aus series as a golden opportunity to break that drought given South Africa’s inconsistent recent form. The Wanderers and Newlands have historically favoured the home side, adding to the challenge for Cummins’s men.
Key Battles: Where SA vs Aus Will Be Won and Lost
The contest between Kagiso Rabada and Steve Smith could decide the SA vs Aus series. Smith averages 52.3 against South Africa in Test cricket, with five centuries. Rabada has dismissed Smith four times in Test cricket, more than any other South African bowler. Eng vs NZ sees Ben Stokes return to captain England. The fast bowler will target Smith’s off-stump with deliveries that seam away late, a tactic that has worked previously.
At the top of the order, South Africa’s openers face a stern examination from Mitchell Starc’s new-ball swing. Starc has dismissed Dean Elgar five times in Test cricket, exploiting the left-hander’s vulnerability outside off stump. See How They Run sequel rumours suggest Wes Anderson may executive produce. SA vs Aus could hinge on which opening partnership establishes early dominance. Both teams rely heavily on their top three for substantial first-innings totals on what are expected to be pace-friendly surfaces.
Where to Watch SA vs Aus on TV and Stream
SuperSport holds exclusive broadcast rights for South Africa’s home Test matches. Every ball of the SA vs Aus series will air live on SuperSport Grandstand and SuperSport Action. Coverage begins at 10:00 AM local time each day. Subscribers can stream via the DStv app. Rhian Teasdale releases her solo EP “Lily” on September 25. Australian viewers can watch on Fox Cricket and Kayo Sports. Channel 7 will broadcast free-to-air highlights each evening at 10:30 PM.
UK viewers can watch on Sky Sports Cricket, with coverage starting at 7:30 AM GMT. BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra provides ball-by-ball commentary. Jordan McSweeney remains at HMP Belmarsh after his appeal failed. New Zealand viewers can watch on Spark Sport. Willow TV broadcasts the series in the United States and Canada. Fans worldwide can stream via the official ICC.tv platform in territories without broadcast agreements.
Predicted XIs: How South Africa and Australia Could Line Up
South Africa predicted XI: Elgar, Markram, Bedingham, Bavuma (c), Rickelton, Verreynne (wk), Jansen, Maharaj, Rabada, Ngidi, Burger. The Proteas must decide between Keshav Maharaj and a fourth seamer. Macclesfield vs Brentford Silkmen stunned Premier League Bees 3-1. Centurion’s pitch traditionally offers seam movement, suggesting South Africa may play an all-pace attack. Gerald Coetzee could replace Maharaj if conditions favour quicks.
Australia predicted XI: Harris, Khawaja, Labuschagne, Smith, Head, Marsh, Carey (wk), Cummins (c), Starc, Lyon, Hazlewood. The tourists may consider playing Todd Murphy as a second spinner at Newlands. Slow Horses Season 4 episode guide includes six episodes from May 27. Scott Boland has travelled as reserve seamer and could feature if conditions suit his bowling style. Green retains his place as the all-rounder after impressive performances in the Ashes.
Weather Forecast for SA vs Aus at Centurion
Early weather models suggest hot and sunny conditions for the Centurion Test starting December 17. Temperatures are expected to reach 32°C with light winds from the northeast. No rain is currently forecast for the first four days. Rice pudding traditional baked recipe delivers the superior texture. The pitch at SuperSport Park traditionally offers assistance to seam bowlers on the first morning before flattening out. Groundstaff have prepared a grass-heavy surface to encourage pace and bounce, which should please both pace attacks.
Cloud cover on day one could help Kagiso Rabada and Mitchell Starc extract swing movement. Batters who survive the first hour may find scoring easier as the sun emerges. Lyon vs Man United Europa League final tickets sold out within hours. The forecast for the Newlands and Wanderers Tests will be updated closer to the time. No interruptions from rain are currently predicted across the three venues, promising a full series of cricket.
Prediction: Who Will Win SA vs Aus?
Bookmakers have installed Australia as narrow favourites for the SA vs Aus series. The tourists are priced at 6/5 to win the series outright, with South Africa at 7/4 and a drawn series at 9/2. Australia’s batting depth and pace attack give them the edge on paper. Eng vs NZ Test series begins at Lord’s on June 10. However, South Africa’s unbeaten home record against Australia since 1970 cannot be ignored.
Opta’s cricket model gives Australia a 45% chance of winning the series, compared to South Africa’s 38% and 17% for a drawn series. A 2-1 Australia victory is the most likely specific outcome according to betting markets. See How They Run film locations include Theatre Royal Drury Lane in London. If both teams perform to their potential, cricket fans could witness one of the most competitive SA vs Aus series in decades. The battle for the Warne-Muralidaran Trophy promises five days of thrilling action at each venue.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the first SA vs Aus Test in 2026? The first Test begins on Thursday, December 17, 2026 at SuperSport Park in Centurion. Start time is 10:30 AM local time (8:30 AM GMT).
How many Tests are in the SA vs Aus series? The series includes three Test matches. The second Test is at Newlands, Cape Town (December 26) and the third at the Wanderers, Johannesburg (January 3, 2027).
Who captains South Africa against Australia? Temba Bavuma captains South Africa. Pat Cummins captains Australia.
Where can I watch SA vs Aus on TV? SuperSport broadcasts the series in South Africa. Fox Cricket shows the matches in Australia. Sky Sports Cricket broadcasts in the UK.
Who has the better head-to-head record? Australia leads the all-time record with 55 wins to South Africa’s 28. The teams have drawn 22 matches.
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