South Africa vs Australia Live Score & Scorecard — AUS in SA 2026/27
The first Test of the series starts at Kingsmead in Durban on Friday 9 October, at 1:00 PM IST (9:30 AM local). South Africa have named their XI: Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, David Bedingham, Temba Bavuma (captain), Tristan Stubbs, Wiaan Mulder, Kyle Verreynne (wicketkeeper), Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Simon Harmer and Anrich Nortje. Kagiso Rabada is out of the opener with a hamstring injury, and Nortje plays his first Test since March 2023. Australia have not named their XI yet. Cameron Green is ruled out with an abdominal strain.
- 📋 Match #1
- 📅 9 October 2026 · 1:00 PM IST
- 📍 Kingsmead, Durban, Durban
- 🏆 AUS in SA 2026/27
- ✅ Playing XI confirmed (22 players)
South Africa have picked two spinners, Simon Harmer and Keshav Maharaj, at Kingsmead, which tells you how the home side read the surface. No official pitch report had been published when this preview was updated, so check the match page after the toss before you lock your team.
South Africa's XI is confirmed and settled. The big change is in the attack: Kagiso Rabada is out of the first Test with a hamstring injury and Anrich Nortje comes in for his first Test since March 2023. Wiaan Mulder and Marco Jansen give the batting depth, and Tony de Zorzi is not in the XI.
Australia have not announced their XI. Cameron Green is out with an abdominal strain, and Josh Inglis has a broken finger and is expected back for the second Test. Nic Maddinson and Sam Harper were added to the squad for batting depth and wicketkeeping cover. Head coach Andrew McDonald said it would have to be quite compelling for Australia to play two spinners, so Nathan Lyon is likely the only specialist spinner.
Confirmed in the South Africa XI, bowls with the new ball and bats in the top eight. He scores in both innings, which is the safest profile for a Test captain.
The most dependable run scorer in the Australia squad. Confirm that he is in the XI at the toss.
- Marco Jansen(SA)
Left-arm pace and batting at number 8. He earns points with the new ball and the bat, which is why he is the top captain pick in a Test with Rabada missing.
- Aiden Markram(SA)
Opens the batting for the home side and also bowls part-time off-spin. A reliable first-innings pick.
- Anrich Nortje(SA)
Replaces the injured Kagiso Rabada and plays his first Test since March 2023. Likely to take the new ball, but he is a risk after the long gap.
- Keshav Maharaj(SA)
One of two spinners in the South Africa XI, so he should bowl a lot of overs across both innings.
- Steven Smith(AUS)
Australia's most reliable Test batter and a strong vice-captain choice if he is in the XI.
- Travis Head(AUS)
Scores quickly, which puts points on the board early in an innings. High risk, high reward.
Form guide
Most recent first, all competitions we track.
Key players in the squads
- Aiden Markram · All-rounder
- Ryan Rickelton · Wicketkeeper
- Marco Jansen · All-rounder
- Anrich Nortje · Bowler
- Kagiso Rabada · Bowler
- Temba Bavuma · Batter
- Scott Boland · Bowler
- Cameron Green · All-rounder
- Josh Hazlewood · Bowler
- Travis Head · Batter
- Marnus Labuschagne · Batter
- Nathan Lyon · Bowler
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the live score of SA vs AUS?
10/1 (2.5 ov) vs 27/2 (11.4 ov). SA vs AUS is live now at Kingsmead, Durban in AUS in SA 2026/27 — follow ball-by-ball updates, confirmed playing XI and live fantasy points on this page.
Where can I follow SA vs AUS live score?
Follow ball-by-ball live score, confirmed playing XI and the full scorecard on this page. Fantasy points and the match leaderboard update automatically as the match progresses.
What is the pitch report for Kingsmead, Durban?
South Africa have picked two spinners, Simon Harmer and Keshav Maharaj, at Kingsmead, which tells you how the home side read the surface. No official pitch report had been published when this preview was updated, so check the match page after the toss before you lock your team.
Who should be captain for SA vs AUS in fantasy cricket?
Marco Jansen is a strong captain pick, with Steve Smith as vice-captain. Confirmed in the South Africa XI, bowls with the new ball and bats in the top eight. He scores in both innings, which is the safest profile for a Test captain.
What is the head-to-head record between South Africa and Australia?
In 3 completed meetings tracked on CricketDream, South Africa have won 2 and Australia 1. South Africa lead.
Who will win SA vs AUS?
A closely matched start to the series. South Africa have a settled, confirmed XI at home with two spinners and Anrich Nortje back, while Australia are without Cameron Green and have not yet named their side. The toss and the first session are likely to decide a lot. Call it in a free Predictor game once the toss and Australia's XI are known.
How do I play fantasy cricket for SA vs AUS on CricketDream?
Build a free Fantasy XI for South Africa vs Australia, join a snake Draft with friends, or play the Predictor — all on CricketDream. Pick your 11 players before the toss and compete on the live leaderboard.