Cricket fans can look forward to an exciting series as Australia prepares for a tour of South Africa and Zimbabwe in 2026. This highly anticipated tour will feature three One Day Internationals (ODIs) against Zimbabwe, starting in Harare on September 15, followed by another three ODIs against South Africa. In addition, the tour will culminate in a three-match Test series against South Africa, the reigning ICC World Test Champions, taking place in October.
This upcoming series marks a significant moment in cricket history, as it will be the first time that Australia and South Africa meet in Test cricket since the latter triumphed in the final of the 2025 ICC World Test Championship, defeating Australia by five wickets in London. The emotional backdrop of this rivalry is heightened, considering Australia’s previous tour of South Africa was marred by the infamous ‘sandpaper gate’ scandal in 2018, which left a lasting impact on both teams. As a result, the atmosphere is expected to be charged as the two sides face off once again.
For those eager to catch the action, the matches will be broadcast live in Australia on Fox Cricket, with streaming available via Kayo Sports. Unfortunately, there will be no free-to-air coverage for this tour, making subscription services essential for fans wanting to follow their teams closely.
The ODI series against Zimbabwe will kick off on September 15, 2026, at the Harare Sports Club, where both teams will battle it out in three matches. The schedule for the ODIs is as follows:
- ODI 1: September 15, 2026 - Harare Sports Club, Harare
- ODI 2: September 18, 2026 - Harare Sports Club, Harare
- ODI 3: September 20, 2026 - Harare Sports Club, Harare
Following the Zimbabwe series, Australia will take on South Africa in another three ODIs, which are set to take place at iconic venues:
- ODI 1: September 24, 2026 - Kingsmead Stadium, Durban
- ODI 2: September 27, 2026 - The Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg
- ODI 3: September 30, 2026 - NWC Oval, Potchefstroom
The ODI matches will lead into a tightly packed Test series against South Africa, scheduled to unfold over just 22 days. The Test matches will be held as follows:
- First Test: October 9-13, 2026 - Kingsmead Stadium, Durban
- Second Test: October 18-22, 2026 - St. George's Park, Gqeberha
- Third Test: October 27-31, 2026 - Newlands, Cape Town
As for the Australian squad, while the team for the ODI matches against Zimbabwe has been announced, the lineup for the Test series against South Africa is still pending. The ODI squad includes notable players such as Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc, who will be key figures in the matches.
With the stage set for an exhilarating tour, cricket enthusiasts are eager to see how Australia performs against two formidable opponents. This tour not only promises thrilling cricket but also serves as a crucial preparation ahead of future international competitions.
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