Australia returns to South Africa for first Test series since 2018 Sandpapergate
Australia returns to South Africa for a three-Test series starting October 9, the first tour there since the 2018 Sandpapergate scandal.
Australia will play three Tests against South Africa, starting October 9 in Durban, the first tour there since the 2018 Sandpapergate scandal. The second Test runs October 18-22 in Gqeberha.
The third runs October 27-31 in Cape Town. South Africa are the reigning World Test Champions after beating Australia in the 2025 WTC final at Lord's.
Australia lost to Bangladesh in August, hurting their chances at a third consecutive WTC final. The squad includes veteran players from 2018.
Marnus Labuschagne is under heavy pressure playing in his country of birth for the first time in a Test series. South Africa will field Kagiso Rabada despite a recent hamstring injury.
- 2018
- Last South Africa tour
- several survivors
- Squad members from 2018
- reigning champions
- South Africa WTC record
- unbeaten in South Africa since 1970
- Australia's pre-Sandpapergate record
Why it mattersThe series is high-stakes redemption for Australia after Sandpapergate and offers a pathway to the World Test Championship final, while South Africa's recent dominance makes them clear favourites.
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