South Africa vs Australia 1st Test
Kingsmead Cricket Ground, Durban
South Africa and Australia begin their three-match Test series at Kingsmead in Durban on 9 October 2026. The opening Test is scheduled to run until 13 October, with play starting at 07:30 GMT, or 9:30 AM local time, each day.
The contest brings together the two sides that met in the 2025 World Test Championship final. South Africa are back at home under Temba Bavuma, while Pat Cummins leads an experienced Australian squad featuring Steve Smith, Travis Head, Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon.
Team selection remains a central talking point. Kagiso Rabada is being given every opportunity to prove his fitness for South Africa, while Australia must adjust after Cameron Green was ruled out of the series opener with an abdominal injury.
Players and Storylines to Watch
South Africa vs Australia 1st Test Match Information
The first Test of the Australia tour of South Africa 2026 will be played at Kingsmead Cricket Ground in Durban from 9 to 13 October 2026. Each day is scheduled to begin at 07:30 GMT or 9:30 AM South Africa time.
South Africa vs Australia 1st Test Match Preview
South Africa enter the Test leg after winning the ODI series 2-1, although Australia took confidence from a rain-affected victory in the final match at Potchefstroom. The move to red-ball cricket changes the challenge, with patience, new-ball discipline and the ability to build long partnerships likely to decide the opening Test.
Kingsmead has traditionally offered assistance to seamers, but spin can become increasingly important as the match develops. South Africa have selected a flexible bowling group that includes Marco Jansen, Gerald Coetzee, Anrich Nortje, Simon Harmer and Keshav Maharaj, with Rabada’s availability to be decided close to the match.
Australia bring a proven Test attack led by Cummins, Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon. Their batting plans are less settled after Green’s injury, leaving Cooper Connolly and Nic Maddinson among the options as selectors shape the final XI.
The toss and confirmed playing elevens will provide the clearest indication of how both teams read the Durban surface.
A Three-Test World Test Championship Series
The Durban Test is the first of three matches between South Africa and Australia. The series continues at St George’s Park in Gqeberha before concluding at Newlands in Cape Town.
Every Test carries World Test Championship points, which gives the series significance beyond the immediate result. It is also Australia’s first Test tour of South Africa since 2018.
South Africa vs Australia 1st Test Live Cricket Streaming
Watch South Africa vs Australia 1st Test live cricket streaming on WebCric. This WebCric live cricket streaming page brings the video player and the most useful match information together throughout the five-day contest.
Open the WebCric match page shortly before the 07:30 GMT daily start and refresh once if the player does not load. Live streaming availability may vary by country, device and regional broadcast rights.
South Africa vs Australia Tour 2026 Schedule
South Africa won the ODI series 2-1. The tour now moves into a three-match Test series from 9 to 31 October 2026.
| Match | Date | Time | Venue / Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st ODI | 24 September 2026 | 08:00 GMT | South Africa won by 67 runs, Durban |
| 2nd ODI | 27 September 2026 | 08:00 GMT | South Africa won by 32 runs, Johannesburg |
| 3rd ODI | 30 September 2026 | 11:30 GMT | Australia won by 45 runs (DLS), Potchefstroom |
| 1st Test | 9–13 October 2026 | 07:30 GMT | Kingsmead, Durban |
| 2nd Test | 18–22 October 2026 | 08:00 GMT | St George’s Park, Gqeberha |
| 3rd Test | 27–31 October 2026 | 08:30 GMT | Newlands, Cape Town |
South Africa vs Australia Test Squads
South Africa Preliminary Test Squad
Temba Bavuma (captain), Marques Ackerman, David Bedingham, Corbin Bosch, Gerald Coetzee, Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Anrich Nortje, Dane Paterson, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs and Kyle Verreynne. Tony de Zorzi was named in the preliminary group but has been ruled out of the first Test through injury.
Australia Test Squad
Pat Cummins (captain), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cooper Connolly, Sam Harper, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Matthew Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Nic Maddinson, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, Matthew Renshaw, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc and Beau Webster. Josh Inglis is expected from the second Test, while Cameron Green will miss the opener.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I watch South Africa vs Australia 1st Test live cricket streaming?
Open this South Africa vs Australia 1st Test page on WebCric for live cricket streaming and match information. Access to a stream may depend on your location, device and regional broadcast rights.
When should I open WebCric for the live Test stream?
Play is scheduled to begin at 07:30 GMT each day from 9 to 13 October 2026. Open the WebCric live cricket streaming page shortly before the start of the day’s play.
Does WebCric live cricket streaming work on mobile devices?
WebCric match pages are designed to open in modern mobile and desktop browsers. A stable connection and an updated browser will usually provide the best live cricket streaming experience.
Why is the WebCric video player not showing before the match?
The player may not become active until close to the scheduled start. If you opened the page early, return near 07:30 GMT and refresh it once so the latest WebCric stream can load.
What can I do if the live cricket stream is buffering?
Check your connection, close unused tabs and lower the video quality if that option is available. Stream access and performance can also vary according to local rights and network conditions.
Will WebCric keep this page updated during the five-day Test?
This page is intended to remain the main WebCric link for the 1st Test. It can be updated with the latest match situation while keeping the same URL throughout the game.