SA vs AUS 2026: First Test match preview

South Africa hosts Australia in the first Test of a three-match series at Kingsmead Cricket Ground in Durban on October 9, 2026. This marks Australia's first Test series visit to South Africa since 2018. Defending World Test Championship winners South Africa, led by Temba Bavuma, face Pat Cummins' Australian team in their first meeting since the previous cycle's final at Lord's.

South Africa will be without pace bowler Kagiso Rabada due to a severe hamstring injury. Australia enters the contest missing wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis with a broken finger and all-rounder Cameron Green with an abdominal injury. The Durban pitch is expected to favor batters early before bringing spinners into play later in the match.