Australia is set to embark on a significant three-Test series tour to South Africa in 2026-27, marking their first red-ball visit to the country since the 2018 ball-tampering controversy in Cape Town. Cricket South Africa has revealed the international schedule for the 2026-27 season, featuring a high-profile clash between the two recent World Test Championship victors. The series will conclude at Newlands in Cape Town, the site of the 2018 scandal that had a profound impact on Australian cricket.
The tour will kick off with a three-match ODI series in September, with games scheduled in Durban, Johannesburg, and Potchefstroom. Following the ODIs, Australia will transition to the longer format, with Tests planned in Durban, Gqeberha, and Cape Town. Additionally, a warm-up match in Potchefstroom is included in the itinerary. Before arriving in South Africa, Australia is expected to play limited-overs matches in neighboring Zimbabwe.
Notably, key members of the current Australian squad, such as captain Pat Cummins, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, and Josh Hazlewood, were part of the 2018 touring group. While some players have returned to Cape Town for white-ball games, Australia has not undertaken a full Test tour of South Africa since that series eight years ago.
The upcoming series holds significance for South Africa as well, indicating a renewed focus on hosting Test cricket after a period of reduced home fixtures due to financial constraints and the rise of the SA20 league. The Proteas, who have not hosted a home Test since January 2025, are preparing to welcome Bangladesh and England in the upcoming season.
This series against Australia could play a crucial role in determining the next World Test Championship final. Australia currently leads the standings with one loss in eight matches but faces challenging away tours to South Africa and India, in addition to a four-Test home series against New Zealand. Before their African tour, Australia is slated to host Bangladesh in northern Australia in August, rounding out a busy schedule that will test their squad depth across various formats.
