Archive · 9 Oct 2026
South Africa Host Australia in First Test Since Ball-Tampering Scandal
South Africa and Australia are starting a three-game cricket series in Durban.
The first game is a Test match.
Australia is returning to South Africa for a Test for the first time since a ball-tampering scandal in 2018.
The article expects some fans might heckle the Australian team about it.
South Africa beat Australia in last year's World Test Championship final.
Both teams are doing well in the current championship standings.
Their results in this series could help decide which teams reach the next final.
South Africa and Australia begin a three-match Test series in Durban on Friday.
It is Australia's first Test in South Africa since the 2018 ball-tampering scandal.
The article says Australia may face a few heckles over the incident.
South Africa, led by Temba Bavuma, won the World Test Championship final against Pat Cummins' Australia last year.
Both teams are described as leading the current World Test Championship standings, making the series important to the race for the final.
- Who
- South Africa, led by Temba Bavuma, and Australia, led by Pat Cummins.
- What
- The teams are beginning a three-match Test series.
- When
- The first Test starts Friday; the article does not specify a date.
- Where
- Durban, South Africa.
- Why
- The series results could affect which teams reach the current World Test Championship final.
South Africa
Australia
World Test Championship context
South Africa
South Africa are the reigning World Test Championship champions and beat Australia at last year's final.
Australia
Australia are described as one of the leading teams in the current standings and are seeking results in the series that could shape the final race.
2018 ball-tampering scandal
South Africa
The article says Australia may face some heckling over the incident when they return.
Australia
Australia are playing a Test in South Africa for the first time since the scandal; the article predicts no more than a few heckles.
- Match
- South Africa vs Australia, first Test
- Series
- Three-match Test series
- Venue
- Durban, South Africa
- Start
- Friday; no calendar date specified
- Australia's return
- First Test in South Africa since the 2018 ball-tampering scandal
- Previous major meeting
- South Africa beat Australia in the World Test Championship final last year
- Championship stakes
- Both teams are said to be among the leaders in the current World Test Championship standings