South Africa and Australia begin first Test in Durban

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 9 Oct, 07:37 · Archive

South Africa and Australia have begun their first Test match at Kingsmead in Durban, a heavyweight clash between the top two World Test Championship teams.

South Africa and Australia began their first Test at Kingsmead in Durban on Wednesday, the first meeting between the sides in a five-day format for eight years. The match features the top two teams in the current World Test Championship standings, who last met in the championship final at Lord's little more than 15 months ago, which South Africa won.

The build-up has been dominated by the ball-tampering scandal of 2018. Then captain Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft used sandpaper to rough up the ball during a Test at Newlands in South Africa. All three received bans of up to 12 months. Smith, now 37, is the only member of that trio still in the Australian setup and is expected to face scrutiny during the series.

Australia will be without Cameron Green, who is unavailable due to an abdominal strain, with Nic Maddinson or Cooper Connolly likely to replace him. South Africa will be led by Temba Bavuma, with Marques Ackerman expected to make his debut at number three. A late decision will be made on whether fast bowler Kagiso Rabada is fit to play after bowling in an intra-squad match.

How it is being reported

• South Africa v Australia: first men’s cricket Test, day one – liveFollow updates from Kingsmead Cricket Ground Start time in Durban is 9.30am local/6.30pm AEDT Sign up for The Spin newsletter | Get in touch via email Hello and welcome to live coverage of the first day of the first Test between South Africa and Australia in Durban. This is a heavyweight clash between the top two teams in the current World Test Championship standings, and the two teams that met in the final of the last cycle little more than 15 months ago. The Proteas defeated the defending champions Australia in that WTC decider at Lord’s last year to claim a rare piece of silverware rid…Guardian Sport · 9 Oct, 07:21
• Watch South Africa vs Australia 2026 1st Test: Live StreamsAll the ways to watch the South Africa vs Australia 2026 1st Test from anywhere, as Pat Cummins' men visit Durban to take on the Proteas.TechRadar · 9 Oct, 07:00

In this story: Steve Smith · David Warner · Cameron Bancroft · Pat Cummins · South Africa · Australia · Durban

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