Overview: A Highly Anticipated Clash
Time may heal wounds, but eight years is a long span. Australia’s tour of South Africa for a major Test series featuring last year’s WTC finalists—potentially shaping the next final—remains overshadowed by the 2018 sandpaper scandal.
Key players such as Steven Smith and Australia’s veteran bowlers are back, while Temba Bavuma, Aiden Markram, Kagiso Rabada and Keshav Maharaj may also feel a sense of déjà vu.
Revisiting this history may intrigue media and fans, yet the series carries far greater significance for both sides. South Africa, the current Test champions after defeating Australia at Lord’s just 17 months ago, have barely played any Test cricket since and have not hosted a home match in that period. Securing another home victory over Australia and laying the groundwork for consecutive finals presents a rare opportunity for Bavuma’s squad ahead of a packed home summer of Test cricket. Meanwhile, Australia is pursuing what Mitchell Starc described as a cricketing grand slam—victories away against South Africa, India and England, plus a second WTC title—within a 12‑month window for a veteran group eager to cement its legacy without reservations. The campaign stumbled early with a home loss to Bangladesh in Darwin, prompting concerns in Australia and abroad that the side may be on the brink of decline rather than ascendancy. Bangladesh, much like South Africa at Lord’s the previous year, exposed frailties in Australia’s batting and wore down an aging attack on a flat pitch. While South Africa could follow a similar blueprint, questions remain: they have not played Test cricket since November last year and have not featured in home conditions since January 2025. Their batting lineup is as uncertain as Australia’s, compounded by Tony de Zorzi’s injury. Their bowling attack looks less intimidating than Australia’s for the Durban opener, especially with Kagiso Rabada still unavailable and Lungi Ngidi ruled out. Adding another layer of uncertainty are the early‑October Durban conditions. South Africa will rely on two specialist spinners—Keshav Maharaj and Simon Harmer—a tactic Australia is also weighing after Maharaj tore through their ODI side on the same venue just two weeks prior.
If history is any guide, the first Test won’t be legacy-defining in isolation. Australia famously won the opening Test in Durban in 2018 before losing both the series and their dignity over the next three Tests. That Australia have been notorious slow starters in recent series and that South Africa come in cold only adds to an already salivating match-up.
South Africa WWWLW (last five Tests, most recent first)
Australia WLWLW
Spotlight: Marco Jansen and Marnus Labuschagne
The last time South Africa featured in Test cricket, Marco Jansen earned player‑of‑the‑match honors with six wickets and 93 runs. In Durban, during their most recent Test there, he again took player‑of‑the‑match honors with 11 wickets, including 7 for 13. With Rabada unavailable, Jansen will spearhead the new‑ball attack, having delivered crucial wickets in last year’s WTC final. Batting at number eight, his contributions could prove pivotal, as they were in Guwahati last year. Australia hold him in high regard, recognizing him as a genuine threat; his recent ODI batting form demonstrates he is unafraid of them. Meanwhile, the focus has remained on Marnus Labuschagne for months. His inclusion in the squad drew widespread criticism from Australian fans. He understands he must score runs to cement his number‑three position. There was never any question he would feature in the opening Test, and his standing strengthened after Cameron Green’s injury and a brisk century in the warm‑up match at Potchefstroom. Domestic bowling poses no concern for him; he has consistently dominated that level throughout his three‑year Test century drought. Australia need him to post a substantial score in the first Test to solidify at least one element of a batting lineup that has perplexed selectors.
Team Update: Nortje Returns, Australia Await
Bavuma named his starting XI a day before the match, selecting two pace bowlers, two spinners and all‑rounder Wiaan Mulder. Anrich Nortje makes his Test comeback after a three‑and‑a‑year hiatus, and David Bedingham will occupy the number‑three slot.
South Africa: 1 Aiden Markram, 2 Ryan Rickelton, 3 David Bedingham, 4 Temba Bavuma (capt), 5 Tristan Stubbs, 6 Wiann Mulder, 7 Kyle Verreynne (wk), 8 Marco Jansen, 9 Simon Harmer, 10 Keshav Maharaj, 11 Anrich Nortje
Pat Cummins indicated Australia had a likely XI but preferred an extra day to finalize it. Judging from the practice match, Beau Webster could move up to number five to stand in for Green, with Cooper Connolly dropping to seven and providing left‑arm orthodox spin to support Nathan Lyon, the team’s sole spinner. It is also possible that Nic Maddinson takes the five spot while Webster stays at seven. Matt Kuhnemann remains an outside option, though his inclusion would represent a significant change for Australia.
Australia: (probable) 1 Travis Head, 2 Matt Renshaw, 3 Marnus Labuschagne, 4 Steven Smith, 5 Beau Webster, 6 Alex Carey (wk), 7 Cooper Connolly, 8 Pat Cummins (capt), 9 Mitchell Starc, 10 Nathan Lyon, 11 Josh Hazlewood
Pitch and Conditions: Light Rain Expected, Turn Anticipated
The surface showed a reasonable grass cover a few days prior, with rain predicted for the second day. Both teams anticipate spin becoming a factor at some stage, though the timing remains uncertain. Bavuma indicated the turn is likely to appear later in the match.
Statistics and Trivia: Australia’s Affinity for Durban
“As we return to home soil as the reigning WTC champions, we aim to celebrate this milestone with our supporters. We hope the Durban crowd turns out in full force tomorrow.”
Temba Bavuma believes the Durban fans can act as the team’s twelfth man on their comeback
“Every rivalry has its own character. Against India you face a sea of a billion fans; versus England it’s the weight of history; with South Africa the styles—and often the personalities—mirror each other, which continually produces a compelling contest.”
Pat Cummins on what distinguishes this rivalry
