Where to watch South Africa vs. Australia live stream, TV channel, start time and lineups for 1st Test
South Africa and Australia are set to face off in a three-game Test cricket series in Durban, which is crucial for their World Test Championship standings. The series marks the return of Anrich Nortje to the South African squad as they look to build on their previous WTC success.
Why it matters
The series is a significant event for international cricket fans and directly impacts the rankings for the prestigious World Test Championship final.
South Africa take on Australia in the first of a three-game series in Durban from Friday as the race to World Test Championship (WTC) final once again gets in focus.
In the current 2025-27 WTC rankings, Australia top the table followed by South Africa.
The upcoming series will add more spice to the battle considering the previous battles between the two nations.
Last year, South Africa won the WTC final against Australia by five wickets courtesy of the century bagged by Aiden Markram, marking their first ever WTC title.
The arrival of Australia back to South Africa brings back memories of the 2018 series that was marked by the Sandpapergate ball-tampering scandal .
Also covering this story
4 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
Australia's Smith in early on return to South Africa - scorecard
Kagiso Rabada ruled out of first Australia Test
South Africa name first Test XI, gun quick unavailable
South Africa playing XI for first Australia Test: No Rabada; Nortje, Bedingham return
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