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South Africa hosts Australia for 1st Test amid injuries in Durban

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 8, 2026, 10:35 PM

Last updated Oct 8, 2026

South Africa hosts Australia for 1st Test amid injuries in Durban

Summary

South Africa and Australia begin their Test series in Durban on October 9, 2026, with the first match taking place at Kingsmead. South Africa, the reigning World Test Championship champions, will compete without star bowler Kagiso Rabada due to a hamstring injury. Temba Bavuma, South Africa's captain, has described the team's fast-bowling situation as a "pandemic" due to multiple injuries. Anrich Nortje returns to the side for the first time since 2023 and is expected to lead the pace attack along with Marco Jansen. Australia’s Pat Cummins is set to finalize the playing XI just before the match, emphasizing the significance of the series between the top two teams in the world.

Source Links

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Status Watch

•South Africa plays without Kagiso Rabada due to injury.
•Anrich Nortje returns for South Africa after injury layoff.
•Pat Cummins to confirm Australia's team before the match.
•The first Test begins on October 9, 2026 in Durban.
•South Africa won the last encounter against Australia in the WTC final.

Latest Updates

10:35 PMYahoo Sports — SA vs AUS, 1st Test: Nortje brings the pace back as South Africa face Australia without Rabada in Durban

What they're saying

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South Africa defeated Australia in the World Test Championship final at Lord’s in London last year, but will enter the series with a slightly inexperienced batting line-up and a depleted fast-bowling attack.
— Yahoo Sports

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