Australia Tour of South Africa 2026 Overview
- Tour: Australia Tour of South Africa 2026
- Teams: South Africa and Australia
- Formats: 3 ODIs and 3 Tests
- Total Matches: 6
- ODI Series: September 24–30, 2026
- Test Series: Begins October 9, 2026
- ODI Captain – South Africa: Temba Bavuma
- ODI Captain – Australia: Mitchell Marsh
- ODI Series Prediction: Australia to win 2-1
- Test Series Prediction: South Africa to win 2-1
- Major Context: 2027 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup preparation
Australia Tour of South Africa 2026 Schedule
| Match | Format | Date |
|---|---|---|
| 1st ODI | ODI | September 24, 2026 |
| 2nd ODI | ODI | September 27, 2026 |
| 3rd ODI | ODI | September 30, 2026 |
| 1st Test | Test | October 9, 2026 |
| 2nd Test | Test | October 18 2026 |
| 3rd Test | Test | October 27 2026 |
The source schedule confirms the three ODI venues and the October 9 start date for the Test series. Exact dates and venues for the second and third Tests are not specified in the supplied source.
Australia ODI Squad for South Africa 2026
Australia have selected a 17-man ODI squad for their six-match African campaign across Zimbabwe and South Africa.
Mitchell Marsh will lead the ODI side, while Travis Head returns to the format after missing the previous series against Pakistan and Bangladesh.
The squad also includes several younger players who are being considered as part of Australia's longer-term plans for the 2027 World Cup.
Australia Key ODI Players
- Mitchell Marsh (Captain)
- Travis Head
- Josh Hazlewood
- Pat Cummins
- Mitchell Starc
- Cooper Connolly
- Joel Davies
- Oliver Peake
- Josh Inglis
- Cameron Green
- Adam Zampa
- Matthew Renshaw
Marnus Labuschagne has been omitted from the ODI squad as Australia's selectors assess their options ahead of the 2027 World Cup. He remains part of Australia's Test plans and has been selected for the Test series in South Africa.
South Africa ODI Squad for Australia Tour 2026
South Africa have assembled an experienced ODI squad for the series, with Temba Bavuma returning to captain the side.
The hosts have also recalled Quinton de Kock and David Miller, while Aiden Markram is available from the second ODI onwards.
South Africa's bowling resources have been affected by injuries. Kagiso Rabada was ruled out before the squad was finalised, while Ottneil Baartman and Lungi Ngidi subsequently suffered hamstring injuries.
Baartman was replaced by Duan Jansen, while Nqobani Mokoena replaced Ngidi.
South Africa Key ODI Players
- Temba Bavuma (Captain)
- Quinton de Kock
- David Miller
- Aiden Markram
- Duan Jansen
- Nqobani Mokoena
Australia Test Squad for South Africa 2026
Australia's Test squad features a strong combination of established players and emerging talent.
The squad includes Pat Cummins, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cooper Connolly, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, Matthew Renshaw, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc and Beau Webster.
The inclusion of Marnus Labuschagne is particularly notable after his omission from Australia's ODI plans.
Australia Test Squad
- Pat Cummins
- Scott Boland
- Alex Carey
- Cooper Connolly
- Cameron Green
- Josh Hazlewood
- Travis Head
- Josh Inglis
- Matthew Kuhnemann
- Marnus Labuschagne
- Nathan Lyon
- Michael Neser
- Matthew Renshaw
- Steve Smith
- Mitchell Starc
- Beau Webster
Australia Tour of South Africa 2026 Venues
Durban
Durban hosts the opening ODI on September 24 and is also scheduled to host the opening Test from October 9.
The conditions will provide both teams with an early indication of how the ball and pitch behave during the different formats.
Johannesburg
The second ODI will be played in Johannesburg on September 27.
The venue provides a different challenge from Durban and will test both sides' ability to adapt during the ODI series.
Potchefstroom
Potchefstroom hosts the third ODI on September 30.
The final ODI gives both teams another opportunity to assess combinations and players ahead of the longer Test series and Australia's wider World Cup preparations.
Australia Tour of South Africa 2026 Match Predictions
The ODI series should be competitive, with Australia using the matches to build towards the 2027 World Cup and South Africa benefiting from home conditions.
Australia have considerable experience in their squad, particularly once Cummins and Starc join the South African leg. Mitchell Marsh also provides valuable balance as an all-rounder and captain.
South Africa have a strong batting group featuring Bavuma, de Kock, Miller and Markram, although their bowling resources have been affected by several injuries.
Australia Tour of South Africa ODI Prediction
Australia to win the ODI series 2-1.
Australia's combination of experience, all-round options and World Cup-focused squad planning gives them the edge across the three ODIs. South Africa's home advantage should nevertheless make the series competitive.
Australia Tour of South Africa Test Prediction
South Africa to win the Test series 2-1.
The Test series presents a very different challenge from the ODIs. South Africa's familiarity with home conditions could be important, while Australia's experienced pace attack and strong Test squad should ensure a competitive series.
Australia Tour of South Africa 2026 Key Players
South Africa – Temba Bavuma
Temba Bavuma returns to South Africa's ODI side as captain after being rested for the recent series against Namibia.
His leadership will be important as South Africa attempt to establish their preferred ODI combination ahead of the 2027 World Cup.
South Africa – Quinton de Kock
Quinton de Kock's return gives South Africa another experienced option at the top of the order.
His experience and ability to score quickly can provide South Africa with an important advantage during the powerplay.
South Africa – David Miller
David Miller is one of South Africa's most dangerous middle-order batters.
His ability to accelerate late in an ODI innings makes him an important player in matches where South Africa need to increase the scoring rate.
Australia – Mitchell Marsh
Mitchell Marsh will captain Australia in the ODI series and provides significant all-round value.
His ability to contribute with both bat and ball gives Australia flexibility while selectors continue to settle their preferred combination for the 2027 World Cup.
Australia – Travis Head
Travis Head returns to Australia's ODI setup and remains one of their most dangerous attacking batters.
His aggressive approach at the top of the order can put pressure on opposition bowlers during the powerplay.
Australia – Pat Cummins
Pat Cummins is scheduled to join Australia for the South African leg after missing the Zimbabwe series.
His return adds experience and quality to Australia's pace attack and strengthens the bowling options available to Mitchell Marsh.
South Africa vs Australia Team Analysis
Australia
Australia are using the ODI series as an important part of their preparation for the 2027 World Cup.
The squad combines established players with younger options such as Cooper Connolly, Joel Davies and Oliver Peake.
Mitchell Marsh provides leadership and all-round balance, while Travis Head offers explosive batting at the top of the order. The return of Cummins and Starc strengthens the pace attack for the South African leg.
Australia's Test squad is considerably more experienced, with Steve Smith, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon all included.
South Africa
South Africa have assembled an experienced ODI batting lineup, with Bavuma, de Kock, Miller and Markram providing significant international experience.
The return of de Kock and Miller strengthens the batting group, while Bavuma's leadership gives the team continuity ahead of the World Cup.
The major concern is the availability of their fast bowlers. Rabada, Baartman and Ngidi are all unavailable through injury, forcing South Africa to make changes to their bowling combination.
Home conditions could nevertheless provide South Africa with an important advantage across both formats.
Best Australia Tour of South Africa 2026 Betting Tips
The contrasting conditions and formats make this tour suitable for several different match and player markets.
Some markets to monitor during the series include:
- Australia to win in ODI matches where their strongest XI is available.
- Mitchell Marsh to score runs when he is expected to play a significant batting role.
- Travis Head to score strongly in ODI powerplay and top-batter markets.
- Pat Cummins to take wickets when conditions favour Australia's pace attack.
- David Miller to score runs in matches where South Africa's middle order is expected to play a major role.
- Quinton de Kock to score strongly when he is available at the top of the order.
- Nathan Lyon to influence the Test series if the surfaces provide assistance to spin.
Match-specific betting tips should be reassessed once the final playing XIs, pitch information and conditions are confirmed.
How Criclines Produces Australia Tour of South Africa Predictions
Criclines predictions consider team strength, recent performances, player availability, venue characteristics and individual matchups.
Before each match, the analysis can include:
- Recent ODI and Test form
- Squad strength
- Player availability
- Confirmed playing XIs
- Venue characteristics
- Batting and bowling matchups
- Home and away performance
- Head-to-head records
- Expected playing conditions
- Toss impact
- Individual player statistics
- Recent player workload and form
Predictions are updated when final team news and playing XIs become available.
Why Australia Tour of South Africa 2026 Matters
The ODI series has particular significance because Australia are preparing for the 2027 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup.
South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia will jointly host the tournament, meaning Australia's six ODIs in Zimbabwe and South Africa provide valuable exposure to the conditions they will encounter during the World Cup.
The series also gives Australia's selectors an opportunity to assess younger players such as Cooper Connolly, Joel Davies and Oliver Peake alongside established international stars.
For South Africa, the series is an opportunity to develop their preferred ODI combination while playing against one of the world's leading international teams.
The subsequent Test series provides a completely different challenge and forms part of the ICC World Test Championship cycle.
Australia Tour of South Africa 2026 Latest Updates
Australia have named a 17-man ODI squad for their African tour, with Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head returning to the format.
Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc are scheduled to join the squad for the South African leg, strengthening Australia's pace attack.
Marnus Labuschagne has been left out of the ODI squad but has been included in Australia's Test squad for the South African series.
South Africa have recalled Quinton de Kock and David Miller, while Temba Bavuma returns as captain.
Aiden Markram is available from the second ODI onwards.
South Africa's bowling attack has been affected by several injuries. Kagiso Rabada was ruled out before the squad was finalised, while Ottneil Baartman and Lungi Ngidi subsequently suffered hamstring injuries.
Duan Jansen and Nqobani Mokoena have been brought into the squad as replacements.
Australia Tour of South Africa 2026 Betting Tips Updated Throughout the Series
Criclines will keep its Australia Tour of South Africa predictions updated as the tour progresses.
Match previews can be refreshed with:
- Latest team news
- Confirmed playing XIs
- Injury updates
- Pitch information
- Weather conditions
- Recent player form
- Match-specific statistics
- Updated match predictions
- Player performance tips
- Series developments
Readers should check the relevant match page before each fixture for the latest prediction and betting analysis.
Australia Tour of South Africa 2026 FAQs
