South Africa vs Australia 1st Test Dream11 Prediction, Playing XI & Fantasy Tips (Durban, 9 Oct 2026)
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.
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AUS posted 390 & 314/6d and then bowled out SA to win. AUS won. Matt Renshaw was the standout batter, scoring 272 off 496 balls. Josh Hazlewood led the bowling attack with 8/103. Matt Renshaw was named Player of the Match.
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.
Tip: Always check the official playing XI announced on match day before finalising your fantasy team, because last-minute changes happen.
Team Assessment
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.
Key Players to Watch
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.
Opens the batting for the home side and also bowls part-time off-spin. A reliable first-innings pick.
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.
One of two spinners in the South Africa XI, so he should bowl a lot of overs across both innings.
Australia's most reliable Test batter and a strong vice-captain choice if he is in the XI.
Scores quickly, which puts points on the board early in an innings. High risk, high reward.
Captain and strike bowler. Wickets and some late runs make him a strong armband option.
New-ball threat who can take wickets in clusters, in both innings.
Fantasy Cricket Picks
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.
Must Picks
Confirmed XI, bat and ball.
Confirmed opener who also bowls.
Captain and strike bowler.
Top-order anchor.
Differential Picks (Grand League)
A confirmed allrounder at number 6, often under-owned in Test fantasy.
South Africa picked two spinners, so he is likely to bowl plenty of overs.
Players to Avoid
Ruled out of the first Test with a hamstring injury. Do not pick him.
Ruled out of the first Test with an abdominal strain. Do not pick him.
Suggested Fantasy XI
Match Prediction
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.
This XI uses only players who are confirmed for South Africa or expected for Australia, and it deliberately leaves out Kagiso Rabada and Cameron Green. Australia's XI is announced at the toss, so check the match page before you lock and swap any Australian who is left out. Marco Jansen is the captain pick and Steve Smith the vice-captain. Build your free Fantasy XI, set up a Draft with friends, call the winner in Predictor, and play the daily Cricket Grid and CricketQuest between sessions. Every CricketDream game is free, with no entry fee and no cash prizes.
Match Trivia
Anrich Nortje plays his first Test since March 2023.
South Africa picked two spinners, Simon Harmer and Keshav Maharaj, for the opener at Kingsmead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who will win South Africa vs Australia?
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.
Who should be captain for South Africa vs Australia in fantasy cricket?
Marco Jansen is the top 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 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.
When is South Africa vs Australia?
South Africa vs Australia is scheduled for October 9, 2026 at 1:00 PM IST, Kingsmead, Durban.
What is the head-to-head record between South Africa and Australia?
The two sides met in three ODIs in September; this is the first Test of the tour. There is no earlier completed Test between them in the current CricketDream record, so the form below is the best guide.
How have South Africa and Australia been performing recently?
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.
Who is a good differential pick for South Africa vs Australia?
Wiaan Mulder (SA): A confirmed allrounder at number 6, often under-owned in Test fantasy.
Are there any notable stats for South Africa vs Australia?
Anrich Nortje plays his first Test since March 2023. South Africa picked two spinners, Simon Harmer and Keshav Maharaj, for the opener at Kingsmead.
What's a good fantasy XI for South Africa vs Australia?
A balanced XI built from both squads: Alex Carey, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Aiden Markram, Marco Jansen, Wiaan Mulder, Beau Webster, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Keshav Maharaj. Adjust based on the confirmed playing XI closer to the toss.
How do I play Fantasy XI, Draft or Predictor for South Africa vs Australia on CricketDream?
Open this match on CricketDream and choose Fantasy XI (pick 11 players within a 100-credit budget), Draft (snake-draft real players with friends) or Predictor (predict match outcomes), all free to play, with points calculated automatically from live match data.
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