Australia Tour of South Africa 2026: Results, Fixtures, Predictions and Odds

The Australia tour of South Africa has already delivered some proper cricket drama, with the Proteas winning two of the three ODIs before Australia hit back in the opening Test. Now, Temba Bavuma’s men need to respond as the two sides prepare for the second Test in Gqeberha.

South African cricket fans have plenty to look forward to, with two Tests remaining in a series that forms part of the 2025–27 ICC World Test Championship. Australia lead the Test series 1-0, but the Proteas will be desperate to level things on home soil.

Australia Tour of South Africa 2026: Results So Far

The tour began with three One Day Internationals before the teams switched to Test cricket.

Match Results

1st ODI, Durban – 24 September

South Africa won by 67 runs

2nd ODI, Johannesburg – 27 September

South Africa won by 32 runs

3rd ODI, Potchefstroom – 30 September

Australia won by 45 runs (DLS method)

1st Test, Durban – 9–13 October

Australia won by 214 runs

South Africa started the tour strongly, winning the first two ODIs. However, Australia claimed the final match after rain affected the contest in Potchefstroom.

The first Test at Kingsmead proved a different story. Australia scored 390 in their first innings before Matt Renshaw produced a superb 190. He followed that effort with 82 in Australia’s second innings of 314/6 declared.

South Africa struggled to keep up, eventually falling short by 214 runs. Josh Hazlewood led the Australian attack with outstanding figures of 6/49 in the Proteas’ final innings.

The result gives Australia a valuable advantage, although South Africa still have two opportunities to fight back.

Upcoming South Africa vs Australia Test Fixtures

South African supporters can look forward to two more Tests this October.

Start time (SAST)

2nd Test

18–22 October

St George’s Park, Gqeberha

10:00

3rd Test

27–31 October

Newlands, Cape Town

10:30

Fixtures and start times are based on the published schedule and may change.

The second Test in Gqeberha is particularly important for the hosts. Another Australian victory would secure the series for the visitors, while a Proteas win would take the contest into the final match at Newlands with everything to play for.

St George’s Park could also provide a different challenge from Durban, with its record suggesting that spin may play a greater role. Nevertheless, conditions early in the South African summer could give the seamers plenty to work with.

Star Players to Watch

South Africa: Kagiso Rabada

Rabada’s potential return could be the biggest boost for the Proteas. He missed the first Test with a hamstring concern but is in contention for the Gqeberha match.

His record against Australia is impressive, with 58 wickets in 11 Test matches. If he partners Anrich Nortje or Marco Jansen effectively, South Africa could put the Australian batting order under serious pressure.

South Africa: Aiden Markram

Markram scored 75 in the first Test and showed that he can resist the Australian attack. South Africa need another substantial contribution from their top order, particularly if the hosts want to set a competitive first-innings total.

Matthew Breetzke is another player to watch. He has been called into the squad to replace Tristan Stubbs after scoring 171 runs across the ODI series, including a century in Durban.

Australia: Matt Renshaw

Renshaw was the standout performer in Durban. His 190 in the first innings and 82 in the second helped Australia take control of the match.

If he maintains that form, South Africa could have another long day in the field.

Australia: Josh Hazlewood

Hazlewood’s six-wicket haul showed why Australia’s pace attack remains such a threat. Together with Mitchell Starc and captain Pat Cummins, he gives the visitors plenty of firepower with the new ball.

Australia will also monitor Cameron Green’s fitness after his abdominal strain, while Steve Smith and Travis Head remain important figures in their batting plans.

South Africa vs Australia 2nd Test Prediction and Odds

The second Test is not a straightforward call. Australia have momentum after their emphatic victory, but South Africa have home advantage and could welcome Rabada back into the attack.

NoBull prediction: South Africa to make a serious contest of the second Test, with a narrow home victory a possibility if their top order delivers and the bowlers take advantage of the conditions.

For an indicative probability-based comparison, one independent preview gives South Africa a 43% win probability, Australia 41% and a draw 16%. These figures translate to approximate fair decimal odds of 2.33 for South Africa, 2.44 for Australia and 6.25 for a draw. They are mathematical estimates, not verified live bookmaker prices, and actual odds will differ.

For South African punters, the draw is also worth considering in a five-day match, especially if the pitch remains good for batting or rain interrupts play. However, the result will depend heavily on the first innings and how quickly either team can take 20 wickets.

Our player pick: Keep an eye on Rabada if he is confirmed in the starting XI. His return could change the balance of the contest, although fitness and final team selection matter.

Last man at the wicket

The Australia tour of South Africa has already given fans ODI victories, a big Australian Test win and several performances worth watching. The Proteas now need a stronger batting display and more consistent pressure from their bowlers.

The Gqeberha Test begins on Sunday, 18 October, followed by the final match at Newlands from 27 October. South Africa still have a chance to turn the series around, but Australia have shown that mistakes will be punished.

For cricket fans following the Australia tour of South Africa 2026, the next two matches should offer plenty of talking points.

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