South Africa and Australia in 2026: The ODI Series Ends 2-1, and the Test Battle Begins
The ODI series between South Africa and Australia has wrapped up, with more cricket still to come.
South Africa took the three-match ODI series 2-1, winning the first two matches in Durban and Johannesburg. Australia responded in the third ODI in Potchefstroom, beating South Africa by 45 runs in a rain-affected match under the DLS method.
I think the next phase will be even more compelling. The short-format cricket is over, and October brings three Test matches between the teams. For cricket fans travelling in South Africa, the Test series also offers a chance to see three very different parts of the country.
South Africa Start the Series Strongly
The first ODI was played at Kingsmead in Durban on 24 September.
South Africa batted well, scoring 297/8 from their 50 overs. Australia were bowled out for 230, giving the Proteas a 67-run win.
The second ODI moved to the Wanderers in Johannesburg on 27 September.
South Africa scored an even bigger total this time, making 365/9. Australia fought hard in reply and reached 333, but South Africa won by 32 runs.
The Proteas had secured the ODI series with one match still to play.
For a South African supporter, it was a good start to the tour. Two matches, two wins, and a series victory. But Australia still had a reason to compete.
The Test Series Begins in October
The South Africa vs Australia 2026 series now takes a different turn.
The teams move from 50-over matches to three Tests in October.
The first Test starts in Durban on 9 October, then the teams head to Gqeberha and Cape Town. Cricket South Africa has confirmed the schedule.
Durban — 1st Test
9–13 October 2026
HollywoodBets Kingsmead Stadium
Start: 09:30
Durban is the first stop.
Kingsmead is one of South Africa's best-known cricket grounds. The city feels quite different from Johannesburg or Cape Town.
If you are travelling for the Test, you can pair the cricket with the Indian Ocean coastline, beaches, warm weather, and plenty of places to eat and relax.
Gqeberha — 2nd Test
18–22 October 2026
Dafabet St. George's Park
Start: 10:00
Next, the teams head to Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape.
St. George's Park is one of South Africa's traditional cricket grounds, with a feel quite different from Kingsmead.
There is plenty to see around Gqeberha and the surrounding area, too, so visitors can see more than just the cricket.
Cape Town — 3rd Test
27–31 October 2026
Newlands Cricket Ground
Start: 10:30
The final Test takes place at Newlands in Cape Town.
It's one of the world's best-known cricket settings, with Table Mountain behind the ground.
If you're travelling from overseas, Cape Town also gives you the chance to visit some of South Africa's best-known attractions before or after the cricket.
The official schedule lists the third Test from 27 to 31 October.
Three Tests, Three Very Different South African Experiences
One thing I really like about this Test series is the way it moves through the country.
South Africa can be more than the place where the cricket is played.
You can make the cricket part of a bigger holiday.
Start in Durban, enjoy the coast and the warm Indian Ocean, then travel to Gqeberha and experience the Eastern Cape.
After the second Test, you can make your way to Cape Town for the final match.
And Cape Town gives you plenty of choices.
Take in Table Mountain, explore the Cape Peninsula, spend time in the Winelands, or enjoy the city and its coastline.
For international cricket supporters, the experience can turn a few Test matches into a much bigger South African adventure.
Planning a Cricket Trip to South Africa
If you're thinking about travelling to South Africa to watch the Australia Test series, it's worth planning ahead.
The three Tests are in three different cities, so you'll need to think about flights, accommodation, transport, and how much time you want to spend between matches.
You don't necessarily have to fly between every destination. Depending on your plans, a mix of domestic flights and road travel can work well.
South Africa is a large country, too. A distance that looks short on a map can take much longer to cover by road than you might expect.
That's why I always recommend planning the travel as carefully as the cricket.
At the SA27 Cricket Tour, we help cricket supporters work out where to watch the cricket, get to know the cities, and find things to see beyond the stadium.
The Road to the Cricket World Cup 2027 Continues
There is another reason why this South Africa vs Australia series is interesting.
The 2026 matches also form part of the longer road towards the ICC Cricket World Cup 2027, which will take place across Southern Africa.
For the players, these international matches are important preparation.
For supporters, they are also a chance to experience some of the venues and destinations that will form part of the wider cricket story in Southern Africa.
The ODI series has now been decided.
South Africa took the series 2 to 1.
Australia had the final say in Potchefstroom, but the Proteas had already done enough to take the series.
Now we start again.
Three Tests.
Three cities.
Three very different South African experiences.