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We are moments away from the first ball, but before that, the two teams will line up for the national anthems. The match officials lead the way, before Temba Bavuma and Pat Cummins lead their respective sides out. It will be Australia's national anthem first, followed by that of South Africa.
A journey of resilience - It will be a special day for Nic Maddinson, who will be playing his first Test in nearly 10 years, and his story is a remarkable one. In April 2025, he was diagnosed with testicular cancer, and surgery alone wasn’t enough, as the disease had spread. He went through 9 weeks of chemotherapy, and just returning to competitive cricket was an achievement in itself. A century for New South Wales against Victoria just weeks ago, coupled with an injury to Josh Inglis, opened the door for Maddinson to join the tour of South Africa. A tough challenge awaits him at the top of the order, but having overcome so much to get back here, he will know better than most what it takes to fight through adversity.
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Let's hear from the other camp - Alex Carey says that the build-up has been good, and they also played an ODI here in Durban a few days ago, and he's excited for this Test series. He then talks about the pitch, saying that it looks good, and he generally tries to stay positive with regard to the pitch, and hopes that there are runs in this deck. On the changes in the teams, Carey says that with Cameron Green being out with an injury, it changes things, and it's been 10 years since Nic Maddison has played and he's matured in those years, and fingers crossed that those coming into the team will have a positive impact. Carey goes on to talk a bit more about Nic, and mentions that it's all about what you do when life throws curveballs at you, and he has massive respect for Nic, and it's no surprise that he's in the baggy green. Carey ends by saying that it's an early start and everyone was excited to be on the early bus, apart from Nathan Lyon, and hopes that it shapes up to be a fantastic series.
A quick chat - Natalie Germanos has caught up with the head coach of South Africa, Shukri Conrad. Shukri shares that the preparations have gone well. Mentions that the focus has been on freshening up the players after the ODI leg while ensuring they have put in the required work. Overall, he is happy with how the preparations have gone. On David Bedingham batting at number 3, Conrad says the position has seen a few different players, but Bedingham has done well whenever he has featured for South Africa. He feels the batter is underrated and was a key figure in their run to the WTC final. Conrad adds that Bedingham enjoys batting higher up the order and comes into the Test in good form, making him a natural fit for the role.
South Africa vs Australia 1st Test: Two spinners in South Africa XI as Kingsmead pitch promises turn
South Africa have opted for two specialist spinners, Keshav Maharaj and Simon Harmer, in their playing XI for the first Test against Australia at Kingsmead. The selection adds an intriguing dimension to the contest, with the Durban surface expected to become slower and offer more turn as the match progresses.
South Africa will also rely on Anrich Nortje, who returns to the Test side after more than three and a half years, following Kagiso Rabada's omission due to a hamstring injury. Captain Temba Bavuma will hope his side's combination can make the most of home conditions. Australia, meanwhile, have retained their experienced pace attack and Nathan Lyon's off-spin.
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South Africa vs Australia 1st Test: Australia’s batting transition under scrutiny as Nic Maddinson returns
Australia's batting line-up remains a key talking point heading into the first Test against South Africa. The retirements of David Warner and Usman Khawaja have left the team searching for a settled opening combination, while questions remain around Marnus Labuschagne's recent form at No. 3. Travis Head and Steven Smith continue to shoulder significant responsibility, with Alex Carey also contributing.
Nic Maddinson has returned to the national set-up and has earned a place in the playing XI after showing good form. Matt Renshaw and Beau Webster provide further options in the batting order. Australia will hope the series in South Africa helps answer some of the questions surrounding their evolving line-up.
South Africa vs Australia 1st Test: Pat Cummins reflects on South Africa rivalry ahead of first Test
Australia captain Pat Cummins has spoken about the respect between Australia and South Africa as the teams prepare for their first Test in Durban. The contest marks Australia's first Test tour of South Africa since the infamous 2018 Sandpapergate series. Cummins acknowledged the hosts' recent success against Australia, pointing to South Africa's victory in the World Test Championship final at Lord's last year.
The Australian captain also highlighted the importance of managing the team's resources during a demanding period of international cricket. With several overseas Test assignments coming up, Australia will look to use this series to assess their batting combination and maintain the strength of their established bowling attack.
South Africa vs Australia 1st Test: Kagiso Rabada misses first Test, Anrich Nortje returns after three years
South Africa will begin their Test series against Australia without their premier fast bowler, Kagiso Rabada, who has not recovered sufficiently from a hamstring injury. Captain Temba Bavuma confirmed the team's playing XI ahead of the opening Test at Kingsmead.
Anrich Nortje has been included and is set to return to the Test side after more than three and a half years away from red-ball cricket. His inclusion comes at an important time for the hosts, who will need their pace attack to deliver against an experienced Australian batting order. South Africa have also picked Keshav Maharaj and Simon Harmer, adding two specialist spinners to their attack.
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South Africa vs Australia 1st Test: Australia win toss, opt to bat against South Africa in Durban
Australia captain Pat Cummins won the toss and elected to bat first in the opening Test against South Africa at Kingsmead, Durban, on Friday. Cummins said the surface looked good, although the grass covering could offer some assistance to bowlers on the opening day.
Australia have included Nic Maddinson in their playing XI, alongside Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne and Steven Smith. Matt Renshaw and Beau Webster also feature in the batting line-up. The visitors will rely on their experienced bowling attack, led by Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon. South Africa, meanwhile, have named two specialist spinners in Keshav Maharaj and Simon Harmer.
Australia (Playing XI) - Travis Head, Nic Maddinson, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Matt Renshaw, Alex Carey (WK), Beau Webster, Pat Cummins (C), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, and Josh Hazlewood.
South Africa (Playing XI) - Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, David Bedingham, Temba Bavuma (C), Tristan Stubbs, Wiaan Mulder, Kyle Verreynne (WK), Marco Jansen, Simon Harmer, Keshav Maharaj, and Anrich Nortje.
The skipper of South Africa - Temba Bavuma says he would have batted first as well, describing the wicket as a good one and noting that the weather is favourable. Adds that they will now have to do the job with the ball, looking to exploit whatever moisture there is on the surface. On the team combination, Bavuma says the twin spinners add a different dimension to the attack, and he hopes the conditions will suit them. Asked about Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi, Bavuma says Rabada is close to returning and that his absence from this Test was a conservative decision. Ngidi, however, is in a different situation. Bavuma says they are excited to have Anrich Nortje back in the side and believes he will relish the opportunity.
The captain of Australia - Pat Cummins opts to bat first and talks about the surface, citing that there is a bit of grass and that, overall, it looks like a good surface. Cummins then goes on to say that there has been a good rivalry between the two teams in the last few years, and it's good to be back in South Africa, playing a Test match after so long. On being asked about the team, he says that Cameron Green is missing out due to an injury and Nic Maddinson takes his place in the XI, and Cummins also mentions that they feel Nic has settled in nicely. Cummins also mentions that competition for places, citing the example of the likes of Michael Neser and Scott Boland, who are unable to get a place in the playing XI.
South Africa vs Australia 1st Test Live: South Africa take on Australia in the first Test at Kingsmead, Durban, from October 9 to 13, 2026, in a series that carries major significance for both teams as they look to strengthen their positions in the World Test Championship race. The match also marks Australia's return to South Africa for Test cricket for the first time since the controversial 2018 Sandpapergate tour.
Australia captain Pat Cummins won the toss and chose to bat first, describing the surface as a good-looking wicket with some grass that could provide assistance to bowlers early in the match. The visitors will look to make the most of their batting opportunity while relying on an experienced pace-and-spin combination to keep South Africa in check.
The Australian batting order remains a key talking point. Following the retirements of David Warner and Usman Khawaja, the team are still working towards a settled opening combination. Travis Head, Nic Maddinson, Marnus Labuschagne and Steven Smith are among those expected to play important roles, while Matt Renshaw, Alex Carey and Beau Webster add depth to the line-up. Cameron Green is unavailable after suffering an abdominal injury during the third ODI against South Africa.
South Africa, meanwhile, have named a line-up featuring Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, David Bedingham, captain Temba Bavuma and Tristan Stubbs. Their recent Test performances have strengthened confidence in the side, which drew a series in Pakistan before completing a 2-0 home series win against India.
The major setback for the hosts is the absence of Kagiso Rabada, who has been ruled out as he continues his recovery from a hamstring injury. Anrich Nortje returns to the Test side after more than three and a half years, while Keshav Maharaj and Simon Harmer have both been selected, highlighting the potential importance of spin at Kingsmead.
Cummins has stressed the importance of unity and respect between the sides, reflecting on the changes in cricket since the events of 2018. South Africa will look to capitalise on home conditions, while Australia aim to demonstrate their depth during a demanding stretch of overseas Tests.
The weather forecast points to warm, sunny conditions, with a chance of rain on Saturday. The pitch is expected to be relatively slow and offer more turn as the game progresses. Follow the opening Test for team developments, match updates and key moments from Durban.
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