Australia and South Africa Set for Cricket Showdown with Test and ODI Series

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Australia will host South Africa for a multi-format cricket series in September and October, featuring three One Day Internationals (ODIs) followed by three Test matches. This marks the first Test series between the two nations since South Africa’s historic victory over Australia in the 2023 ICC World Test Championship final at Lord’s.

Series Schedule

The ODI portion of the tour will commence on September 24th in Durban. The second ODI will be played on September 27th in Johannesburg, with a day-night match concluding the ODI series on September 30th in Potchefstroom.

Following a two-day warm-up match in Potchefstroom on October 3rd and 4th, the Test series will commence on October 9th in Durban. The second Test will be held in Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth), starting on October 18th. The series will culminate with the final Test match from October 27th to 31st in Cape Town at Newlands.

South Africa’s Recent Triumph

South Africa’s victory in the 2025 World Test Championship final at Lord’s was a landmark achievement, representing their first major cricket trophy in 37 years. The Proteas defeated Australia by five wickets in that match, ending a long period of disappointment in major ICC tournaments.

Looking Ahead

This upcoming series provides an opportunity for both teams to build momentum and prepare for future challenges. For Australia, it’s a chance to avenge their loss in the World Test Championship final, while South Africa will aim to demonstrate that their recent success was no fluke.

Full Scorecard of the 2025 WTC Final is available on ESPNcricinfo.