Three ODIs. Three Tests. Two cricketing heavyweights. One seriously exciting few weeks ahead.
Spring is here, which can only mean one thing: international cricket is back on South African soil!
The Proteas are getting ready to welcome Australia for a blockbuster tour that kicks off with three ODIs before the action moves into the longest format for a three-Test battle. Expect big hits, fiery spells, spectacular catches and, if history is anything to go by, plenty of drama.
First Up: Three ODIs
The white-ball action gets underway on 24 September at Kingsmead in Durban, before moving to Johannesburg and then Potchefstroom.
| Date | Match | Venue |
| 24 September | South Africa vs Australia | Kingsmead, Durban |
| 27 September | South Africa vs Australia | Wanderers, Johannesburg |
| 30 September | South Africa vs Australia | JB Marks Oval, Potchefstroom |
The ODIs are also an important part of the road towards the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, which South Africa will co-host with Zimbabwe and Namibia.
So, while there is plenty of bragging rights on the line, there is also plenty for both teams to learn.
Can Australia Bounce Back?
Australia arrive in South Africa after a mixed Test series against Bangladesh.
The Aussies were stunned by a nine-wicket defeat in the first Test in Darwin, but bounced back emphatically in the second, winning by an innings and 51 runs.
In other words: writing Australia off would be a risky business.
Their ODI squad contains plenty of firepower. Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood give Australia a frightening pace attack, while Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh and Cameron Green add plenty of batting firepower and all-round ability.
The Proteas Are Coming In Hot
South Africa have also been busy building momentum.
The Proteas won the recent T20I tri-series in Namibia involving Zimbabwe and the hosts before completing a 3–0 ODI sweep against Namibia.
Now, some of the big names are returning to the ODI setup for the Australian challenge.
Quinton de Kock, David Miller, Ryan Rickelton and Tristan Stubbs give the batting department plenty of options, while Keshav Maharaj brings his experience with the ball.
Then there is pace bowler Gerald Coetzee, alongside all-rounders such as Corbin Bosch and Marco Jansen.
With Temba Bavuma back as captain, the Proteas will be looking to turn their recent momentum into another strong home performance.
Then Comes the Big One: Test Cricket
Once the ODIs are done, things get even more interesting.
Test cricket returns for a three-match series:
9–13 October – Kingsmead, Durban
18–22 October – St George’s Park, Gqeberha
27–31 October – World Sports Betting Newlands, Cape Town
And there’s some serious history here.
The last time Australia played a Test series in South Africa was 2018, the series remembered around the world for the infamous ball-tampering saga in Cape Town.
Fast-forward to 2026 and there is another huge storyline: South Africa are the reigning ICC World Test Champions, having beaten Australia in the 2025 World Test Championship Final at Lord’s.
So yes, there is a little bit of history between these two.
Betting Angles to Watch
For cricket punters, this tour offers plenty of different markets to explore.
The ODIs could provide plenty of opportunities around match winners, total runs, player performance and top batter or bowler markets.
The Tests bring an entirely different betting landscape. Pitch conditions, toss results, weather, team selection and the balance between pace and spin can all play a role over five days.
Keep an eye on the confirmed XIs before placing a bet, particularly with player fitness and workload likely to be important across a packed schedule.
And remember: odds can change quickly, so always check the latest team news and market prices before getting involved.
The Fixtures You Don’t Want to Miss
ODIs
24 September: South Africa vs Australia – Durban
27 September: South Africa vs Australia – Johannesburg
30 September: South Africa vs Australia – Potchefstroom
Tests
9–13 October: South Africa vs Australia – Durban
18–22 October: South Africa vs Australia – Gqeberha
27–31 October: South Africa vs Australia – Cape Town
Bring on the Cricket!
From the first ball at Kingsmead to the final delivery at Newlands, this is shaping up to be a proper South African cricket summer.
Australia have the experience, firepower and plenty to prove. South Africa have home conditions, recent momentum and the confidence of being the reigning World Test Champions.
Now all that’s left is to grab your snacks, pick your favourite player markets and settle in.
The Proteas vs Australia. Let’s play!
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