South Africa head coach Shukri Conrad expects an intense three-Test series against Australia this October, saying the rivalry always carries some spice and that the 2025 World Test Championship final has added a little more.
The series, which starts in October 2026, is Australia’s first red-ball tour of South Africa since 2018. It also matters for the WTC table: Australia lead with an 80% points percentage after eight wins from 10 Tests, while South Africa are second on 75%, just five percentage points behind.
Lord’s final still fresh
South Africa beat Australia by five wickets in the 2025 WTC final at Lord’s, with Aiden Markram’s 136 central to the chase and Kagiso Rabada taking nine wickets in the match. Conrad told the ICC that the result may sharpen the contest, though perhaps not to the level of past eras. He said South Africa respect Australia as champions but feel they exposed a couple of weaknesses in the line-up that they can build on. He also acknowledged the quality of the Australian bowling attack, while insisting South Africa can counter it at their best.
A longer series than usual
Conrad noted that three Tests is a different challenge for a team used to two-match series in recent years, calling it a real test for his squad. He remains confident that lessons from the final can help Temba Bavuma’s side.
| Test | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Test | Oct 9–13, 2026 | Kingsmead, Durban |
| 2nd Test | Oct 18–22, 2026 | St George’s Park, Gqeberha |
| 3rd Test | Oct 27–31, 2026 | Newlands, Cape Town |
With valuable WTC points at stake and a major final recently decided between them, the series promises a serious contest between two leading Test sides.
