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South Africa vs Australia 1st Test Preview & Tips - South Africa tipped to win battle of the heavyweights against Australia

By Ben Darvill

3 hours ago

Ben Darvill 3 hours ago

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South Africa have won nine of their last 10 Tests (L1)
Australia have lost two of their last four in the longest format (W2)
Preview, stats & head to head

Temba Bavuma of South Africa (Getty Images)

South Africa vs Australia 1st Test Preview & Tips
Head To Head
South Africa Form
Australia Form

South Africa vs Australia 1st Test Preview & Tips

South Africa hammered India in a stunning 408-run win in their last Test, although the home side have had a lot of time to wait to get back out into the middle with their last Test coming back in November 2025.

Australia have been inconsistent across their last handful of Tests, beating England and Bangladesh once apiece whilst also losing to the same opponents.

South Africa beat Australia by five wickets in their last Test meeting

Head To Head

South Africa have won five of their last 10 Tests against Australia, with the Aussies winning four times and one game ending as a draw.

South Africa Form

South Africa return to the Test match format for the first time in almost a year, with the nation looking to seamlessly switch from the shorter formats.

While they do arrive in great form having won nine of their last 10 Tests, the pressure of hitting the ground running after so long away from the format will be massive. There is also no time to ease themselves back in as they take on a strong Australian side that are in need of a steadying win.

Temba Bavuma will lead a side that contains some real talent and experience in the form of Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada and Aiden Markram among others. Playing at home, South Africa are looking to add to 16 wins over the Aussies on their own patch, with their opponents winning 29 Tests on the road against the Proteas.

Positive for South Africa is their previous run along with Australia's questionable form. While the series itself will likely swing back and forth with each match that goes by, I predict that the home side will come out on top in their opener as they make it four consecutive Test wins.

Australia Form

Despite only losing two of their last 10 Tests, Australia arrive in inconsistent form after losing to England at the end of 2025 and slumping to a stunning nine-wicket loss at the hands of Bangladesh.

It is worth noting that Australia did secure a 51-run win over Bangladesh in the immediate aftermath of their nine-wicket loss. However, after being bowled out for 198 and 284 before seeing Bangladesh triumph with scores of 426 and 57/1, a lack of solidity with the bat and incision with the ball was on full show.

While even the best sides can have a bad day, this was a truly stunning defeat that will have South Africa taking note. Marnus Labuschagne is in line to return to the Test team and while undoubtedly talented, a low score in Australia's first innings would have questions around his inclusion swirling once again.

Australia's bowling unit remains one of the best in the world, but if South Africa can get at the batting unit of the touring side and then build a solid score of their own, then I predict the tourists will crumble.

Verdict

South Africa v Australia 1st Test

I am backing South Africa to secure a win over Australia in the first Test as they notch a fourth consecutive Test win.

South Africa

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