Proteas vs Australia: Latest Results, Upcoming Tests and Cricket Betting Odds

The Proteas are fighting back against Australia in a crucial three-Test series, and the action at St George’s Park in Gqeberha has given South African cricket supporters plenty to shout about. After losing the opening Test in Durban, the hosts have put themselves in a strong position in the second match, with captain Temba Bavuma producing a magnificent innings to turn the contest around.

There is still plenty of cricket to come, including the final Test at Newlands in Cape Town. For South African cricket fans following the tour, here is a look at the results so far, the upcoming fixtures, key players and the cricket betting odds and markets worth understanding.

Australia Tour of South Africa: Results So Far

The tour started with three One-Day Internationals (ODIs), followed by a warm-up match and three Tests. South Africa won the ODI series 2-1, but Australia struck back in the opening Test.

ODI results: Proteas win the series

South Africa made a strong start to the tour, winning the first two ODIs before Australia claimed the final match.

First ODI – 24 September, Durban: South Africa scored 297/8 and bowled Australia out for 230, winning by 67 runs.

Second ODI – 27 September, Johannesburg: The Proteas posted an impressive 365/9. Australia fought back with 333 but fell short by 32 runs.

Third ODI – 30 September, Potchefstroom: Australia scored 322/9. South Africa reached 145/4 before rain intervened, with Australia winning by 45 runs under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method.

The results gave South Africa a 2-1 ODI series victory. The big totals also showed that both batting line ups could do serious damage when conditions favoured the batters.

First Test: Australia take the lead

The opening Test took place at Kingsmead in Durban from 9 to 13 October. Australia won by 214 runs after posting 390 in their first innings and declaring at 314/6 in their second.

South Africa replied with 284 and 206, leaving the hosts with too much to do in the final innings.

The result gave Australia a 1-0 lead in the Test series and put pressure on the Proteas to respond in Gqeberha. It also underlined how quickly a Test match can turn when a batting side loses wickets in clusters.

Second Test: Temba Bavuma Leads the Proteas Fightback

The second Test at St George’s Park began on 18 October and runs until 22 October, weather permitting.

South Africa’s captain delivered a superb 179, helping the Proteas recover from a difficult position and declare their first innings at 425/9. Marco Jansen contributed 85, while Simon Harmer made 82, giving the hosts crucial lower-order runs.

Australia struggled badly in their first innings, managing only 99. Marco Jansen claimed five wickets, while Kagiso Rabada and Wiaan Mulder also helped dismantle the Australian batting line-up.

Australia were forced to follow on. By the latest available report on day four, they had reached 84/1 in their second innings but still trailed significantly. Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne were attempting to rebuild, while South Africa pushed for the wickets needed to level the series.

The Proteas have put themselves in a commanding position, but they still need to finish the job. Test cricket has a habit of producing a twist when a team relaxes too early.

Upcoming Proteas vs Australia Fixtures

The final Test will take place at Newlands in Cape Town, where South Africa will hope to carry their Gqeberha momentum into the series decider.

Second Test

18–22 October 2026

St George’s Park, Gqeberha

Third Test

27–31 October 2026

Newlands, Cape Town

The Newlands Test is scheduled to start on Tuesday, 27 October. It is an important match for both sides in the ICC World Test Championship cycle.

South Africa will want to use their home conditions and bowling attack to put Australia under pressure. Meanwhile, Australia will look to their experienced pace bowlers and middle order to regain control after the second Test.

South Africa vs Australia Cricket Betting Odds

Cricket betting odds can change throughout a match, particularly in Test cricket, where the state of the pitch, weather and remaining wickets can dramatically alter the likely outcome.

A Sportingbet South Africa market listing checked during the tour showed the following series-winner odds:

Series Winner                    Odds

South Africa                       4.50

Draw                                     9.00

Australia                              1.33

These are series-winner prices, not confirmed odds for the individual Newlands Test. They should also be treated as a snapshot rather than guaranteed live prices. Check the bookmaker’s current market before placing any bet.

Australia were favoured in that market following their Durban victory. However, South Africa’s strong position in the second Test could influence the prices as the match progresses.

Cricket betting markets to know

South African punters may encounter several types of cricket betting odds during the remaining Tests.

1. Match winner: Pick South Africa or Australia to win the Test. Depending on the bookmaker, a draw may also be available as a separate selection.

2. Draw no bet: Choose a team to win, with the stake returned if the match ends in a draw. Check the bookmaker’s specific settlement rules.

3. Series winner: Predict which team will win the three-Test series. Some markets also offer the exact series score, such as a 2-1 result.

4. Top batter: Predict which player will score the most runs in a specified innings or match. Bavuma’s 179 shows why individual batting markets can attract attention.

5. Top bowler: Select the player expected to take the most wickets. Jansen’s five-wicket haul in Gqeberha illustrates how quickly a bowler can change a Test.

6. Total runs — over/under: Predict whether a team or player will score above or below a bookmaker’s specified total.

7. Total boundaries: Bet on the number of fours or sixes hit during a match or innings.

8. Live cricket betting: Place bets while the match is in progress. Prices can move quickly after a wicket, a partnership or a change in weather.

Not every bookmaker offers every market on every Test. Always check the available selections and settlement conditions.

Proteas vs Australia Prediction: What Happens Next?

South Africa have a genuine opportunity to level the Test series after their dominant bowling display in Gqeberha. Bavuma’s century, Jansen’s all-round contribution and the pressure created by Rabada give the hosts plenty of reasons to be confident.

Australia’s experience means they cannot be written off, but their second-innings batting needs to improve dramatically if they are to escape with a draw or turn the match around.

Prediction: South Africa are well placed to win the second Test and level the series at 1-1. For the Newlands Test, the outcome will depend heavily on the final result in Gqeberha, team fitness and the conditions in Cape Town.

Rather than relying on one prediction, cricket fans should consider the format, pitch conditions, weather and recent performances before assessing any available odds.

The Proteas have given supporters something to cheer about after the Durban disappointment. Now they need to turn that strong position into a result and take the fight to Australia at Newlands.

Bet responsibly. Betting is for adults aged 18 and over. Use a locally licensed South African bookmaker, set a budget and never chase losses.