South Africa will cross swords with Australia in the first Test of the three-match series at St.George’s Park in Gqeberha, starting on Sunday, October 18.
Australia dominated the opening Test, registering a comprehensive 214-run victory. Despite being reduced to 84/4 in their first innings, the visitors recovered brilliantly, thanks to Matt Renshaw’s outstanding 190-run knock, which helped them post 390.
South Africa managed 284 in reply, but Renshaw’s valuable 82 in the second innings enabled Australia to set a daunting target of 421 runs. Josh Hazlewood then spearheaded the bowling attack with an impressive 6/49, dismissing South Africa for 206.
SA vs AUS, Test Series 2026, Match 2, Match Details
Match: South Africa vs Australia, Test Series 2026, Match 2
Time & Date: 1:30 PM IST, October 18 to 22
Venue: St.George’s Park, Gqeberha
SA vs AUS, Test Series 2026, Match 2 Pitch Report
The Gqeberha surface is expected to offer extra bounce to the new-ball bowlers, giving pacers an advantage early in the game. Batters will need to spend time settling in before playing their strokes freely, while spinners could become more effective as the match progresses.
SA vs AUS, Test Series 2026, Match 2 Probable XIs
South Africa
Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, David Bedingham, Temba Bavuma (c), Tristan Stubbs, Wiaan Mulder, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Marco Jansen, Simon Harmer, Keshav Maharaj, Anrich Nortje
Australia
Travis Head, Nic Maddinson, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Matt Renshaw, Alex Carey (wk), Beau Webster, Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood
SA vs AUS, Test Series 2026, Match 2 Top Picks
Josh Hazlewood
Australia’s premium pacer Josh Hazlewood has scalped eight wickets in the first game at an average of 12.88.
Mitchell Starc
Australian pacer Mitchell Starc has picked up three wickets in the first Test at an average of 32. He is expected to better his numbers.
SA vs AUS, Test Series 2026, Match 2 Captain picks
Matthew Renshaw
Australian middle-order batter Matthew Renshaw has scored 272 runs in the first Test, at an average of 136.
Aiden Markram
South African batter Aiden Markram has scored 112 runs in the first Test at an average of 56 and is anticipated to continue his good form.
SA vs AUS, Test Series 2026, Match 2 Head-to-head Dream11 team
Matthew Renshaw(c), Ryan Rickelton, Temba Bavuma, Steve Smith, Cooper Connolly, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood(vc), Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj
SA vs AUS, Test Series 2026, Match 2 Grand League Dream11 team
Matthew Renshaw, Ryan Rickelton, Temba Bavuma, Steve Smith, Aiden Markram(c), Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc (vc), Josh Hazlewood, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Keshav Maharaj
