Published on: Oct 8, 2026 12:00 pm IST | Updated on: Oct 8, 2026 5:14 pm IST
The ODIs are done with the hosts, South Africa, humiliating Australia 2-1. It’s now time for the Test matches to take center stage, with the first of the two Test matches set to be played at Kingsmead, Durban. South Africa should enter this contest as the firm favorites, as hosts, having beaten Australia in the ODI series earlier. South Africa heads into this Test series after blanking India in India 2-0; meanwhile, Australia got pummelled at home by a team like Bangladesh and could only draw that home series by winning the second Test. Australia has been lackluster in recent times, and South Africa will look to take advantage of the same in the first Test. In this post, we have compiled free expert tips for the 1st Test, SA vs AUS, at Kingsmead, Durban.
South Africa should start as the favorites in this fixture. They have done well in recent times against Australia across formats and should be looking to continue their good run of form. A home series for South Africa against Australia makes them the clear favorites to win this contest. For Australia to stand tall, their batting, which has been their biggest flaw in recent times across formats, needs to click. For now, the win probability meter should definitely lean in favor of the hosts, South Africa. Let’s continue with the post and find out the best cricket tips for the 1st Test, SA vs AUS, at Kingsmead, Durban.
SA: 49% win chance AUS: 51% win chance
Temba Bavuma will be a solid figure in the middle order for the Proteas. The skipper of the side will have added responsibility to score big in this contest and support the inexperienced batting lineup.
The Proteas opener has scored 673 runs in his last 8 Test matches averaging nearly 50. Ryan remains a strong figure at the top for the hosts.
Australia's only consistent batter has been among runs for quite some time. Steven has scored 570 runs in the last 8 test matches, averaging nearly 48. He remains a key bet at no 4 for Australia.
Travis had a good time in the ODI series and has been in brilliant form in Test matches as well. The Aussie opener has scored 914 runs in his last 20 innings, averaging 48.11. He will be a key figure for the visitors.
Check out our prediction for the SA vs AUS 1st Test match at Kingsmead, Durban.
South Africa enter the three‑match Test series against Australia with confidence, having clinched the ODI series 2‑1. Playing at Kingsmead, Durban, the Proteas will enjoy home advantage on a surface renowned for its pace and bounce. Skipper Temba Bavuma and his men will carry the favorites tag into the opener, despite missing frontline pacers Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi.
The absence of the experienced duo opens the door for the likes of Marco Jansen, Gerald Coetzee, and Anrich Nortje to shoulder responsibility. Their ability to exploit Kingsmead’s lively conditions could expose Australia’s batting frailties, which have been evident over the past three years in Test cricket. Historically, Australian batters have struggled against the short ball, and South Africa’s pace unit will be eager to test them with relentless aggression.
With a balanced batting lineup and a bowling attack tailored for home conditions, South Africa look well‑placed to dictate terms. Australia, meanwhile, must overcome both the conditions and their own inconsistencies to avoid falling behind early in the series.
Australia’s batting unit faces a stern test as they prepare for the opening clash against South Africa at Kingsmead, Durban. While Steven Smith has been the lone consistent performer in recent years, the burden cannot rest solely on his shoulders. The likes of Travis Head, Matt Renshaw, and Alex Carey must step up and provide meaningful contributions if Australia are to compete.
The team’s over‑reliance on Smith has exposed their fragility, especially in challenging conditions. Marnus Labuschagne, despite scoring a century in the practice game, remains under scrutiny given his prolonged lean patch, he has not registered a ton across formats in over three years. Australia cannot afford to rely on one batter’s form while others falter.
With South Africa’s pace attack ready to exploit the bounce and short‑ball weakness of the visitors, Australia’s batters need to show resilience and discipline. Runs from the middle order will be crucial to counter the Proteas’ aggression and give their bowlers a platform to fight back. Let’s move ahead and check the cricket tips.
Matches Played: 102 AUS won: 54 SA won: 27 Draw: 21 RECENT form AUSTRALIA: W L W L W RECENT form SOUTH AFRICA: W L W W W
In 102 Test matches played between the two sides, Australia leads the way with 54 wins, whereas South Africa have won only 27 games. 21 matches between the two sides ended in a draw.
How will the two teams, i.e., South Africa and Australia, fare in the 1st Test? Let’s take a look.
Travis Head, Matt Renshaw, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Alex Carey (WK), Nic Maddinson/Cooper Connolly, Beau Webster/Matthew Kuhnemann, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins (C), Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood
Here’s the pitch and weather report for the 1st Test between Australia and South Africa at Kingsmead, Durban:
At Kingsmead, the toss will be decisive. The pitch offers pace and bounce early but deteriorates quickly to aid spinners. Captains will prefer batting first to post 300+ and avoid chasing on a worn surface. South Africa’s seamers relish home conditions, while Australia must rely on discipline to counter the Proteas’ advantage.
The online live streaming of the 1st Test match of the Australia Tour of South Africa 2026 will take place live on the FANCODE app. The live TV coverage for this series will be available on the Eurosport channel.
South Africa should be the side entering the first Test with an upper hand. Playing at home in familiar conditions should help their cause against an Australian batting lineup full of loopholes. For Australia, the only motivation heading into this Test should be that they have won more games than their opponents at this venue in this format. This should work for the Aussies, but South Africa will be the firm favorite. Therefore, as per our prediction, the hosts, South Africa, are expected to win the SA vs AUS 1st ODI match.
Want more Cricket Betting Tips like this? Click here