Sports

South Africa and Australia Set to Battle for World Test Championship Lead at Newlands

By Telford Vice

South Africa and Australia will contest the final Test of their series at Newlands from 27 to 31 October 2026, with the world’s No. 1 Test ranking on the line. A South African win would give them the top spot for the first time since January 2016, while an Australian victory would keep them in the lead, a position they have held since May 2024. A South African win would also place New Zealand at the top of the standings, with South Africa second and Australia third. An Australian win would leave the order unchanged.

The match follows a series that has been marked by strong performances rather than controversy. In the first two Tests, South Africa’s Temba Bavuma scored 179 and Australia’s Matt Renshaw made 190, while bowlers such as Josh Hazlewood (6/49), Scott Boland (5/81) and Marco Jansen (5/33) have taken five-wicket hauls. Both teams have shown resilience in the face of Durban’s bad light and Gqeberha’s rain.

The decider is scheduled to finish nine days before the first match of the 2011 series between the two sides, which also took place at Newlands. That earlier game ended with Australia bowled out for 47 and South Africa for 96, a result attributed to early summer conditions rather than the pitch.

Attendance at the first two Tests was disappointing, partly because most of the 10 days of play fell on weekdays. Newlands is expected to draw a larger crowd, as Test cricket is popular there regardless of the day of the week.

Team news: South Africa’s only change is Gerald Coetzee, replacing the injured Anrich Nortjé. Simon Harmer will miss the second consecutive Test, with Keshav Maharaj out. The South African XI is Aiden Markram, Marcus Ackerman, David Bedingham, Temba Bavuma (captain), Matthew Breetzke, Ryan Rickelton, Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Simon Harmer, Kagiso Rabada and Gerald Coetzee.

Australia will bring back Cameron Green, who has recovered from a shoulder injury, as a batter. Pat Cummins will return as captain. Nathan Lyon may also return after missing the second Test due to rain. Josh Inglis has recovered from a broken finger. Steven Smith’s participation is uncertain because of a neck injury sustained at St George’s Park. Nic Maddinson has been dropped and sent home. Matt Renshaw is likely to open the batting, potentially keeping Marnus Labuschagne in the side. The Australian XI could be Matt Renshaw, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Cameron Green, Alex Carey, Josh Inglis, Pat Cummins (captain), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon and Josh Hazlewood.

Comments from players: Temba Bavuma said, “When you come off such a high the challenge is to find a way to get yourself into the right mental space, where you are still hungry and desirous of making another big play for the team. A lot of that work is mental.” Pat Cummins noted, “You’re on top of the world in Durban and then a week later you’re left scratching your head. It’s always challenging in different ways. The physicality of it, even the preparation. You can’t just turn up like you might do for a T20 tournament.”