At Kingsmead, old rivals meet in a changed cricketing world

Kingsmead Test – South Africa vs Australia

Date: Friday 9 Oct – Tuesday 13 Oct 2026
Venue: Kingsmead, Durban
Kick‑off: 9:30 am local (7:30 am GMT / 1:00 pm IST)

Pitch & Weather

• Warm, sunny conditions; chance of rain on Saturday.
• Slowish surface expected to offer increasing turn as the match progresses.

South Africa – Team News

• Key omission: Kagiso Rabada (right‑hamstring injury).
• Inclusions: Simon Harmer and Keshav Maharaj (spin options).
• Confirmed XI:
  • Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, David Bedingham, Temba Bavuma (c), Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne, Marco Jansen, Wiaan Mulder, Simon Harmer, Keshav Maharaj, Anrich Nortjé (first red‑ball appearance in 3½ years).

Australia – Team News

• Out: Cameron Green (shoulder/abdominal injury).
• Injuries: Josh Inglis (broken finger) – reduces pressure on Alex Carey.
• Possible XI:
  • Travis Head, Matt Renshaw, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Beau Webster, Alex Carey, Cooper Connolly, Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood.

Notable Quotes

• Temba Bavuma (SA captain): “It wasn’t an easy decision. We went the conservative route to give him a couple of extra days to get as close as possible to 100 % fitness.” (on Rabada’s omission)
• Pat Cummins (AUS captain): “It was pretty full on. After that, every Test team felt the need to adjust. This is a different group in how we approach playing.” (reflecting on recent changes)

The match marks a new chapter for both sides, with South Africa reshaping their pace attack and Australia coping with key injuries ahead of a packed overseas schedule.