South Africa vs Australia is underway at Kingsmead in Durban, where the first Test of a three-match World Test Championship series began on Friday, October 9, 2026.
Australia reached 1-23 in the opening phase of play, according to the latest official match update, after South Africa handed the visitors the first innings.
The match is the first Test between the teams in South Africa since 2018 and the first home Test for the Proteas since they defeated Australia in last year’s World Test Championship final at Lord’s.
Table of Contents
South Africa vs Australia live score and match details
| Match | Details |
|---|---|
| Fixture | South Africa vs Australia, first Test |
| Venue | Kingsmead, Durban |
| Dates | October 9 to 13, 2026 |
| Latest official score | Australia 1-23 |
| Series | Three-Test World Test Championship series |
The series carries major significance in the 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle, with Australia and South Africa occupying the top two positions before the opening match.
ICC listed Australia at an 80 per cent points percentage and South Africa at 75 per cent.
Why the Durban Test matters
South Africa arrive as the reigning World Test Championship holders after beating Australia by five wickets in the 2025 final.
Aiden Markram made 136 in that match, while Kagiso Rabada claimed nine wickets.
Australia, meanwhile, enter the Test series after losing the preceding one-day international series 2-1.
Captain Pat Cummins said his side would need to adapt to the slower, more demanding rhythm of Test cricket after a period dominated by faster formats, according to an ICC preview of Australia’s Test series preparation.
The visitors also faced selection questions before the match, with Cameron Green unavailable and Josh Inglis absent from the touring group, according to Cummins.
Australia were still assessing their preferred combination before the start of the opener.
South Africa bring pace back into the attack
South Africa selected Anrich Nortje for the opening Test, marking the fast bowler’s return to Test cricket after more than three years away.
His last Test appearance came in February 2023.
Nortje’s return gives captain Temba Bavuma another high-speed option alongside a pace group built around the conditions expected in Durban.
Wiaan Mulder was also included to provide additional batting depth and another bowling option.
Bavuma said the hosts wanted to use the series to reconnect with supporters after almost two years without a home Test, while keeping the focus on winning the opening match, as outlined in an ICC preview of South Africa’s World Test Championship challenge.
What comes next in the series
The second Test is scheduled for October 18 to 22 at St George’s Park in Gqeberha.
The third and final Test is scheduled for October 27 to 31 at Newlands in Cape Town.
South Africa and Australia met in the 2025 World Test Championship final, but this series offers a different challenge across three matches and in South African conditions.
For now, Australia are attempting to build an early platform in Durban while South Africa look for the first breakthrough of the contest.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the South Africa vs Australia first Test being played?
The first Test runs from October 9 to 13, 2026, at Kingsmead in Durban, South Africa.
What is the latest South Africa vs Australia score?
The latest official update available for this report had Australia at 1-23 in the opening phase of the first innings.
How many Tests are in the South Africa vs Australia series?
The series consists of three Tests, with matches in Durban, Gqeberha and Cape Town.
Why is the series important?
It is part of the 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle and features the two finalists from the 2025 championship match.
When is the next Test after Durban?
The second Test is scheduled for October 18 to 22, 2026, at St George’s Park in Gqeberha.
Fact-Checked: Key match details, score information, dates and World Test Championship context were checked against official ICC and Cricket Australia sources.
Disclaimer: Live cricket scores and match details can change as play continues, so readers should check the official match centre for the latest update.