Cricket South Africa (CSA) has announced an exciting home season for 2026-27, featuring a full schedule with significant opponents, famous venues, and thrilling Test cricket. This comes after criticism for the limited red-ball matches in 2025-26, which CSA has addressed with a robust plan.
High-profile teams to tour South Africa
South Africa will host eight Tests and several white-ball series against strong cricketing nations—Australia, Bangladesh, and England. This summer harks back to the country’s peak era in Test cricket. Notably, South Africa enters this season as the reigning World Test Champions, having won the title at Lord’s last year, with the goal now to defend that title on home ground.
The return of Aussies in the rainbow nation
Australia’s visit is highly anticipated, marking their first Test series in South Africa since the intense 2018 tour. The rivalry is heightened after South Africa’s victory in the 2025 World Test Championship Final.
The tour kicks off in late September with three ODIs, including the popular Pink Day match at the Wanderers, which promotes social awareness and attracts many fans dressed in pink.
The Test matches will be played in Durban, Gqeberha, and Cape Town, known for their fast pitches and enthusiastic crowds. For the Proteas, this series holds personal importance, while for Australia, it’s a chance at redemption. It’s a must-see for all cricket lovers.
Bangladesh’s all-format challenge
In November, Bangladesh will arrive for a challenging all-format tour. The two-Test series in Johannesburg and Centurion is vital for South Africa’s World Test Championship efforts, especially in conditions suited for fast bowlers.
This tour also includes three ODIs in East London, Gqeberha, and Cape Town, showcasing Bangladesh’s growth in white-ball cricket. The T20I matches will take place in Kimberley and Benoni, expanding the reach of the game beyond major cities. For CSA, it’s about inclusivity, while Bangladesh aims for development and resilience, and South Africa looks to maintain home dominance.
England’s festive arrival promises packed stadiums
England’s trips to South Africa have always been significant, and the 2026-27 season will be no different. England is set to arrive in mid-December for a three-Test series that mixes tradition with excitement.
The Boxing Day Test at Centurion and the New Year’s Test at Cape Town are fixtures that hold a special place in the cricket calendar. The atmosphere at SuperSport Park on December 26 and the stunning surroundings of Newlands at the start of the new year are hard to beat.
In an interesting twist, CSA has postponed a planned T20I series to avoid conflicts with the SA20 league. Instead, the tour will finish with three ODIs in Paarl and Bloemfontein, serving as important preparation for the 2027 Cricket World Cup.
Australia’s tour of South Africa (Fixtures)
| Match | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 1st ODI | Sep 24 | Durban |
| 2nd ODI | Sep 27 | Johannesburg |
| 3rd ODI | Sep 30 | Potchefstroom |
| 1st Test | Oct 9-13 | Durban |
| 2nd Test | Oct 18-22 | Gqeberha |
| 3rd Test | Oct 27-31 | Cape Town |
Bangladesh’s Tour of South Africa (Fixtures)
| Match | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Test | Nov 15-19 | Johannesburg |
| 2nd Test | Nov 23-27 | Centurion |
| 1st ODI | Dec 1 | East London |
| 2nd ODI | Dec 4 | Gqeberha |
| 3rd ODI | Dec 7 | Cape Town |
| 1st T20I | Dec 10 | Kimberley |
| 2nd T20I | Dec 12 | Benoni |
| 3rd T20I | Dec 13 | Centurion |
England’s Tour of South Africa (Fixtures)
| Match | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Test | Dec 17-21 | Johannesburg |
| 2nd Test | Dec 26-30 | Centurion |
| 3rd Test | Jan 3-7 | Cape Town |
| 1st ODI | Jan 10 | Paarl |
| 2nd ODI | Jan 13 | Bloemfontein |
| 3rd ODI | Jan 15 | Bloemfontein |
