South Africa's 2026-27 Home Season Overview

Historic Early Cape Town Test

Australia Series Opens Season

South Africa will host Australia, Bangladesh, and England during the 2026-27 home season, featuring three Test series and multiple ODI assignments. The highlight is the early Cape Town Test from October 27-31, the earliest men’s Test ever at Newlands. This match concludes a three-Test series against Australia, following games in Durban (October 9-13) and Gqeberha (October 18-22). The scheduling carries some risk due to Cape Town’s late rainy season and untested October conditions.

ODI Preparations and WTC Context

The season begins with a three-match ODI series against Australia from September 24-30 in Durban, Johannesburg, and Potchefstroom. These early fixtures are crucial for both World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 points and preparation for the 2027 ODI World Cup. South Africa currently sits third on the WTC points table, having played four Tests in this cycle.

November-December Fixtures

Bangladesh follows with an all-format tour including two Tests at Wanderers and Centurion (November 15-27), three ODIs in East London, Gqeberha, and Cape Town (December 1-7), and three T20Is in Kimberley, Benoni, and Centurion (December 10-13).

England Tour and ODI Clashes

England will tour for three Tests starting December 17 at Wanderers, with the Boxing Day Test at Centurion and New Year’s Test at Newlands. The season concludes with a three-match ODI series against England in January 2027, overlapping with the SA20 league. The planned T20I series against England has been removed due to scheduling conflicts, with rescheduling options under discussion.