The first Test is also important in the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27. Australia are at the top of the table with eight wins and two losses from 10 matches, while South Africa are second with three wins and one loss from four. A win in Durban will help either side strengthen its position.
Australia will aim to respond after the ODI series defeat. Pat Cummins’ side has won eight of its last 10 Tests, but Cameron Green will miss the series because of an abdominal strain. The visitors still have an experienced batting unit and a formidable pace attack suited to the conditions in Durban.
Kagiso Rabada has recovered from a hamstring problem and will lead the bowling unit alongside Anrich Nortje and Gerald Coetzee. Marco Jansen and Wiaan Mulder provide all-round options, while Keshav Maharaj will handle the main spin duties on his home ground.
Pat Cummins will lead a pace attack featuring Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Scott Boland, while Nathan Lyon provides the main spin option. Starc arrives in strong form after taking 12 wickets against Bangladesh and will be a major threat on the Kingsmead surface.
SA vs AUS Live Streaming, Live Telecast: Where To Watch 1st Test?
In South Africa, fans can watch the Test live on SuperSport, while viewers in Australia can follow the action on Fox Cricket and Kayo Sports. The first Test will begin at 1:00 PM IST (7:30 AM local time / 6:30 PM AEDT) on October 9.
As the Test progresses, the surface is expected to dry out and become slower. This could bring spinners into the game, with the pitch offering more grip and turn in the later stages. The average first-innings score at the venue is 295 runs.
Total Matches: 47
Won Bowling First: 13
Average 2nd Innings Score: 255
Average 4th Innings Score: 199
Lowest Team Total: 42 (Sri Lanka vs South Africa)
Lowest Score Defended: 166 (New Zealand vs South Africa)
Best Bowling in an Innings: 8/69 (Hugh Tayfield, South Africa vs England, 1957)
SA vs AUS Weather Forecast & Rain Threat at Kingsmead
The weather forecast for Durban suggests partly cloudy conditions throughout the five-day Test, with daytime temperatures between 25°C and 28°C.
Kagiso Rabada has recovered from a hamstring injury. Top-order batter Tony de Zorzi has been ruled out, and 30-year-old Marques Ackerman could make his Test debut. The Proteas must also decide whether to add an extra bowler or strengthen the batting with Marco Jansen at No. 7.
SA vs AUS Predicted Playing 11 Today
South Africa Predicted Playing XI: Ryan Rickelton (wk), Aiden Markram, Marques Ackerman, Temba Bavuma (c), David Bedingham, Tristan Stubbs, Marco Jansen, Wiaan Mulder, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje.
SA vs AUS Key Player Battles to Watch
Steve Smith vs Kagiso Rabada:
Tristan Stubbs vs Pat Cummins:
Travis Head vs Marco Jansen:
SA vs AUS Key Players to Watch:
South Africa: Kagiso Rabada, Tristan Stubbs, Marco Jansen
Australia: Steve Smith, Pat Cummins, Travis Head
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