South Africa vs Australia 1st Test Preview: Predictions, Team News, Pitch Report and Betting Tips
The first Test between South Africa and Australia starts on October 9 at Kingsmead, Durban. This series carries extra weight, coming less than two years after South Africa lifted the World Test Championship trophy at Lord's by defeating Australia. The venue is hosting a Test in October for the first time, adding an unusual twist.
Current Form and Team Updates
In the World Test Championship standings, Australia lead, with South Africa in second place. Neither team feels fully comfortable heading into the match. Kagiso Rabada has returned to bowling after a hamstring injury but may not be ready for five days of intense play. Australia confirmed that Josh Inglis is sidelined with a fractured finger, and Cameron Green remains doubtful. On a positive note, Marnus Labuschagne impressed with a century during warm-up games, easing some pressure on the visitors.
Prediction for the 1st Test
This Test likely favors the side that adapts quickest to the conditions. The surface at Kingsmead has shown significant turn, as seen in recent one-day matches, where Australian batsmen struggled against spinners like Keshav Maharaj and Bjorn Fortuin. Although Rabada's fitness is uncertain, South Africa's spin options provide some cover. Australia's Labuschagne form offers hope, but we think South Africa holds a slight advantage. A close South African win seems the most probable outcome.
Pitch Report: Kingsmead, Durban
- Total Tests held: 47
- Matches won batting first: 20
- Matches won bowling first: 13
- Average 1st innings score: 295
- Average 2nd innings score: 255
- Average 3rd innings score: 260
- Average 4th innings score: 199
- Highest total recorded: 658/9 (166.2 overs) by RSA vs WI
- Lowest total recorded: 42 all out (13.5 overs) by SL vs RSA
- Highest score chased: 340/5 (104.5 overs) by RSA vs AUS
- Lowest score defended: 166 all out (79.3 overs) by NZ vs RSA
Head-to-Head in Tests
- Matches played: 101
- Australia wins: 54
- South Africa wins: 26
- Draws: 21
- Tied: 0
- Australia home wins: 23
- South Africa home wins: 16
- Australia away wins: 29
- South Africa away wins: 10
- Neutral venue wins: Australia 2, South Africa 0
Recent Matches Between South Africa and Australia
- World Test Championship Final, June 11, 2025: Australia scored 212 and 207; South Africa replied with 138 and 282/5 - South Africa won by 5 wickets
- South Africa in Australia 3rd Test, Jan 4, 2023: Australia declared at 475/4; South Africa scored 255 and 106/2 following on - Match drawn
- South Africa in Australia 2nd Test, Dec 26, 2022: Australia declared 575/8; South Africa scored 189 and 204 - Australia won by an innings and 182 runs
- South Africa in Australia 1st Test, Dec 17, 2022: Australia scored 218 and 35/4; South Africa scored 152 and 99 - Australia won by 6 wickets
- Australia in South Africa 4th Test, Mar 30, 2018: Australia scored 221 and 119; South Africa scored 488 and declared at 344/6 - South Africa won by 492 runs
- Australia in South Africa 3rd Test, Mar 22, 2018: Australia scored 255 and 107; South Africa scored 311 and 373 - South Africa won by 322 runs
Betting Tip for the 1st Test
- Bet: Temba Bavuma to score over 25.5 runs in the first innings
- Odds: 1.85 via Dafabet
Bavuma has been one of South Africa's reliable batsmen and could cause problems for the Australian attack on this pitch.
Predicted Lineups
- South Africa: Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton (wicketkeeper), Marques Ackerman, Temba Bavuma (captain), Tristan Stubbs, David Bedingham, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Simon Harmer, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje
- Australia: Matthew Renshaw, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (wicketkeeper), Cooper Connolly, Pat Cummins (captain), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood
Match Odds
- South Africa to win: 2.10 (Dafabet)
- Draw: 8.00 (Dafabet)
- Australia to win: 2.00 (Dafabet)
How to Watch
- Date: October 9 to 13
- Venue: Kingsmead, Durban
- Start Time: 01:00 PM IST
- TV/Streaming: FanCode
