South Africa’s coach, Shukri Conrad, has expressed enthusiasm for the impending three-Test series against Australia, which begins in October 2026. The series is Australia’s first red-ball trip of South Africa since 2018 and comes at a key stage in the World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle, with the two nations separated by only five percentage points in the standings.
Shukri Conrad discussed the upcoming game between the two sides. South Africa currently ranks second in the WTC 2025-27 table with a 75% points percentage, while Australia leads with an 80% points percentage after eight wins in ten games.
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The South African coach emphasised the two countries’ long-standing rivalry, as well as the recent World Test Championship Final. South Africa defeated Australia by five wickets in the 2025 World Cricket Championship Final at Lord’s, with Aiden Markram batting 136 and Kagiso Rabada collecting nine wickets. Conrad underlined how the victory influenced his team’s approach to the forthcoming series.
The nature and duration of the three-Test series make it a unique challenge for South Africa. The first Test is slated for October 9-13, 2026, at Kingsmead in Durban, with the second Test taking place at St George’s Park in Gqeberha from October 18-22, 2026. The third and final Test will be held at Newlands in Cape Town from October 27 to 31, 2026.
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Shukri Conrad stated that it will be a struggle for his squad to play a three-match Test series after a long break.
The Proteas have generally played Test series of two matches. However, he feels that if Temba Bavuma and his teammates play to their best capacity, they will be able to beat Australia.
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