South Africa and Australia begin their three match Test series on Friday the 9th of October at Kingsmead in Durban. South Africa return to Test cricket after an impressive series victory in India last year, while Australia will be looking to improve on their showing against Bangladesh at home. We look at the game from a betting angle below.
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SOUTH AFRICA
South Africa enter the series having won three of their last four Tests, with all four matches played away from home. They suffered a 93 run defeat in the opening Test against Pakistan in October last year before responding with an 8 wicket victory in Rawalpindi to draw the two match series 1-1.
The South Africa then produced an outstanding performance in India, winning the opening Test at Eden Gardens by 30 runs before securing a commanding 408 run victory in Guwahati. That result completed a 2-0 series whitewash and should give South Africa plenty of confidence ahead of another demanding assignment, although they have not played this year yet.
Temba Bavuma captains a batting group featuring Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Tony de Zorzi, Tristan Stubbs and David Bedingham. Kyle Verreynne provides a wicketkeeping option, while Wiaan Mulder and Marco Jansen add depth with bat and ball.
Anrich Nortje, Gerald Coetzee and Dane Paterson offer further pace options, with Keshav Maharaj, Simon Harmer and Senuran Muthusamy providing variety in the spin department.
South Africa Test Squad: Temba Bavuma (c), Marques Ackerman, David Bedingham, Corbin Bosch, Gerald Coetzee, Tony de Zorzi, Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Anrich Nortje, Dane Paterson, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne.
AUSTRALIA
Australia arrive having shared their most recent Test series with Bangladesh 1-1 in August. They suffered a surprising 9 wicket defeat in Darwin before responding emphatically with an innings and 51 run victory at the Great Barrier Reef Arena.
That uneven campaign followed a convincing 4-1 Ashes series victory over England. Australia won the opening two Tests in Perth and Brisbane by 8 wickets before an 82 run triumph in Adelaide secured the series. England responded with a 4 wicket victory in Melbourne but Australia finished in style with a 5 wicket win in Sydney.
Pat Cummins leads an experienced squad featuring Steve Smith, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne and Matthew Renshaw. Alex Carey provides experience behind the stumps, while Beau Webster and Cooper Connolly offer additional batting options.
Australia retain considerable strength in their bowling department. Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood form an experienced pace unit, with Scott Boland and Michael Neser providing further options. Nathan Lyon leads the spin attack, supported by Matthew Kuhnemann.
Australia Test Squad: Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cooper Connolly, Nathan Lyon, Sam Harper, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Nic Maddinson, Michael Neser, Matthew Renshaw, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Beau Webster.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
Australia have won two of the last four Tests between the sides, with South Africa claiming one victory and the remaining match ending in a draw. Australia secured a 6 wicket win in Brisbane in December 2022 before recording an innings and 182 run victory in Melbourne. The final Test in Sydney was drawn, giving Australia a 2-0 series win.
South Africa won the most recent encounter, however, beating Australia by 5 wickets in the World Test Championship final at Lord’s in June 2025. That victory gives the South Africa a positive result to draw on as the sides prepare to meet again in long format.
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BETTING – click here to bet
South Africa 2.10
Draw 11.00
Australia 2.05
I always worry about rustiness when South Africa play their 1st test after a lengthy break and I am going to sit the match betting out but will look for in-running options.
That doesn’t mean I am not getting involved though and here are some 1st innings plays.
SUGGESTED BETS
Top South Africa Batter, 1st Innings – Ryan Rickelton at 5.00
Ryan Rickelton’s ability to build an innings while keeping the scoreboard moving makes him an appealing selection against Australia’s experienced bowling attack. If he settles early, the left hander has the attacking range to capitalise and put together a substantial score. With familiar home conditions in his favour, I think he is a strong candidate to finish as South Africa’s leading run scorer in their first innings.
Top Australia Bowler, 1st Innings – Pat Cummins at 3.50
Pat Cummins’ accuracy and ability to maintain pressure over long spells should make him a threat throughout South Africa’s first innings. He can challenge the top order with the new ball and remains dangerous when returning for later spells. I think the Australian captain is a strong selection to lead his side’s first innings wicket tally.
Note: All prices are correct at the time of writing but subject to change.
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