Australia will begin their three-match Test series against South Africa on October 9 at Kingsmead in Durban. The contest is a significant one in the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle, with Australia currently sitting at the top of the standings and South Africa occupying second place. The series also marks Australia’s first Test tour of South Africa since 2018.

The visitors have been dealt two notable injury blows ahead of the opening Test. Josh Inglis has been ruled out after suffering a fractured right index finger, while Cameron Green has been confirmed unavailable for the Durban Test because of an abdominal strain sustained during the third ODI. Green remains with the squad and could potentially return later in the series, although Australia are unlikely to rush him back.

Australia have subsequently added wicketkeeper Sam Harper and batter Nic Maddinson to their squad. However, Alex Carey remains the likely first-choice wicketkeeper, while Maddinson could be in line for his first Test appearance since 2016.

With the selection picture becoming clearer, here is the predicted Australia playing XI for the first Test against South Africa.

1. Travis Head

Travis Head is expected to open the innings for Australia. The left-hander has been one of the most destructive batters in the Australian Test setup and could be given the responsibility of attacking South Africa’s new-ball bowlers from the outset.

Head’s aggressive approach will be particularly valuable against a potentially strong Proteas pace attack. If he can survive the initial movement, his ability to score rapidly could put Australia in control of the first session.

2. Matthew Renshaw

Matthew Renshaw is likely to partner Head at the top of the order. The left-hander was initially a fitness concern after hurting his wrist during the ODI series, but he has been cleared and remains available for the Test.

Renshaw could provide a contrasting approach to Head, with Australia likely to value his ability to occupy the crease and see off the new ball.

3. Marnus Labuschagne

Marnus Labuschagne should retain the No. 3 position after making a strong statement in the tour match with a century. His place had been under pressure following a lean period, but the hundred appears to have strengthened his case for the Durban Test.

Labuschagne’s ability to bat for long periods will be crucial against South Africa’s seamers and spinners.

4. Steve Smith

Steve Smith remains Australia’s premier middle-order batter and should occupy the No. 4 position. His experience will be particularly important in a challenging overseas environment.

Smith also returns to South Africa for the first Test tour there since the 2018 series, which makes his performance one of the major talking points surrounding the contest.

5. Nic Maddinson

Nic Maddinson could make a remarkable return to Test cricket at No. 5. The 34-year-old last played a Test for Australia in 2016 but has been recalled following Cameron Green’s injury.

His selection would represent one of the most intriguing decisions of the Australian team. Maddinson offers a left-handed option in the middle order and could provide Australia with additional batting flexibility.

6. Alex Carey (wk)

Alex Carey is expected to continue as Australia’s wicketkeeper-batter. With Josh Inglis ruled out for the opener, Carey becomes an even more important part of the XI.

His ability to contribute lower-order runs could be crucial, particularly because Australia’s batting depth has been affected by Green’s absence.

7. Beau Webster

Beau Webster is likely to retain his place at No. 7 and provide Australia with valuable balance. His medium-pace bowling becomes particularly important in the absence of Green.

Webster has featured in Australia’s recent Test setup and can contribute useful runs down the order. His ability to provide a fourth seam option could allow captain Pat Cummins to rotate his frontline quicks effectively.

8. Pat Cummins (c)

Captain Pat Cummins should lead the attack and take the No. 8 spot. His ability to generate bounce and movement makes him one of Australia’s biggest weapons against South Africa.

Cummins will also have to make important tactical decisions regarding the use of Australia’s pace attack and spin resources, particularly if the Kingsmead surface begins to deteriorate.

9. Mitchell Starc

Mitchell Starc is expected to play as the left-arm spearhead. His pace and ability to swing the new ball could make him a major threat to South Africa’s top order.

Starc also gives Australia variety in the pace attack and remains one of the world’s most dangerous bowlers when he finds rhythm early in a Test.

10. Nathan Lyon

Nathan Lyon should be Australia’s frontline spinner. The veteran off-spinner brings enormous experience and will be particularly important if the Kingsmead surface begins to offer more turn.

Australia have Matthew Kuhnemann available as a second specialist spinner, but coach Andrew McDonald has indicated that conditions would need to be compelling for Australia to move to a two-spinner combination.

11. Josh Hazlewood

Josh Hazlewood should complete Australia’s bowling attack. His accuracy and ability to consistently hit the right areas make him the perfect complement to Cummins and Starc.

The trio could pose a significant threat with the new ball, particularly if there is movement available early in the innings.

Predicted Australia Playing XI vs South Africa