Australia Set for Landmark 2026 Tour of South Africa
Australia is scheduled to embark on a significant tour of South Africa in 2026, featuring a three-match One-Day International (ODI) series followed by a highly anticipated three-Test series. This tour will mark Australia's first Test series on South African soil in eight years.
The upcoming series promises high-stakes cricket, with both ODIs and Tests scheduled across iconic venues.
Full Tour Schedule
The tour kicks off with a three-match ODI series in September 2026.
One-Day Internationals (ODIs)
- September 24: Kingsmead Stadium, Durban
- September 27: Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg
- September 30: JB Marks Oval, Potchefstroom (Day/Night)
Following the ODIs, a pre-series warm-up match for the Test squad is scheduled. This preparatory fixture will take place from October 3-4 at JB Marks Oval, Potchefstroom.
Test Series
The much-awaited three-Test series will then proceed in October.
- October 9-13: Kingsmead Stadium, Durban
- October 18-22: St George’s Park, Gqeberha
- October 27-31: Newlands Cricket Ground, Cape Town
Historical Context and Player Returns
The Test series includes a poignant return to Newlands Cricket Ground in Cape Town, the site of the infamous 2018 ball-tampering scandal involving Australian players. Several key figures from that 2018 tour are expected to feature in the 2026 series, including Pat Cummins, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, and Josh Hazlewood. David Warner, who received a year-long ban for his role in the 2018 incident, has since retired from Test cricket.
South African Cricket's Revival
Cricket South Africa (CSA) confirmed these international fixtures, which are particularly noteworthy as they mark the country's first home Tests in nearly two years. South Africa has faced a reduction in the number of home Tests in recent times due to a combination of financial constraints and the scheduling of the popular SA20 competition during their main summer window.
In addition to Australia, South Africa is set to host Bangladesh and England for Test matches during their southern summer, signaling a stronger home international schedule.
World Test Championship Significance
The Test series is expected to hold significant importance for qualification in the next World Test Championship (WTC) final. Australia currently leads the WTC standings, adding an extra layer of competitive intensity to the series.
Cricket Australia's operations boss Peter Roach and CSA chief executive Pholetsi Moseki have both expressed considerable enthusiasm for the upcoming tour, highlighting the anticipated fierce competition between two of cricket's most formidable nations.