South Africa are set to face Australia in the first Test of their three-match series at the Kingsmead Stadium in Durban, with the match scheduled to begin on October 9. The contest will be particularly significant as both teams continue their campaigns in the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle. Australia currently sit at the top of the standings, while reigning champions South Africa are also firmly in contention for another appearance in the final.

The Proteas have named an 18-member squad for the opening Test, with several selection decisions still to be made. Kagiso Rabada has been included despite recovering from a hamstring injury, while Anrich Nortje, Gerald Coetzee and Dane Paterson have returned to the Test setup. South Africa will also be without Lungi Ngidi, Kwena Maphaka and Ottneil Baartman, who are continuing their respective injury rehabilitations.

With the Durban surface expected to offer assistance to the fast bowlers, South Africa could go in with three specialist quicks alongside Marco Jansen and two spinners. Here is the predicted playing XI for the Proteas.

1. Aiden Markram

Aiden Markram is expected to open the innings and will be one of South Africa’s most important batters against Australia. The right-hander has a particularly impressive record against the Aussies and was instrumental in South Africa’s victory over them in the 2025 World Test Championship final.

Markram’s ability to counter Australia’s pace attack during the opening exchanges could prove crucial. He is also experienced enough to convert starts into substantial scores, making him a key player at the top of the order.

2. Ryan Rickelton

Ryan Rickelton is likely to partner Markram at the top. The left-handed batter has established himself as an important part of South Africa’s Test setup and offers a contrasting style to his opening partner.

Rickelton’s ability to play patiently against the new ball could help South Africa negotiate Australia’s formidable pace attack, particularly if conditions at Kingsmead offer movement early in the innings.

3. Tristan Stubbs

Tristan Stubbs could get the nod at No. 3. The right-hander has been tried in the position previously and remains one of South Africa’s promising young Test batters.

Stubbs will face a demanding challenge against Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood, but his aggressive strokeplay could allow him to put pressure back on Australia’s bowlers once the ball becomes older.

4. Temba Bavuma (c)

Captain Temba Bavuma should retain his position at No. 4. He will be responsible not only for anchoring the middle order but also for guiding a bowling attack that could contain several players returning from injury or extended Test absences.

Bavuma’s temperament and ability to build partnerships will be particularly valuable if Australia make early inroads.

5. David Bedingham

David Bedingham is expected to take the No. 5 spot. The powerful right-hander has become a regular part of South Africa’s Test batting group and provides the middle order with an aggressive option.

His ability to score quickly against both pace and spin could help South Africa maintain pressure on Australia’s bowlers during the middle sessions.

6. Kyle Verreynne (wk)

Kyle Verreynne is likely to take the wicketkeeping gloves and bat at No. 6. His inclusion would give South Africa a specialist wicketkeeper with the ability to contribute valuable runs in the lower middle order.

His role could become particularly important if South Africa adopt a five-bowler combination, as the Proteas will need sufficient batting depth.

7. Marco Jansen

Marco Jansen is expected to play as the key pace-bowling all-rounder. His height, bounce and left-arm angle make him a difficult proposition for Australia’s batters.

Jansen’s batting ability also gives South Africa flexibility in their team combination. His presence could allow the Proteas to select two specialist spinners while still maintaining a strong pace attack.

8. Simon Harmer

Simon Harmer could get the nod as South Africa’s second spinner. His experience and ability to bowl long spells make him an attractive option, particularly if the Kingsmead surface begins to deteriorate.

Harmer has also indicated that he expects to play an important role in the series, with South Africa considering a two-spinner combination depending on the conditions.

9. Keshav Maharaj

Keshav Maharaj is likely to be the second specialist spinner. The left-arm orthodox bowler brings immense experience and has repeatedly demonstrated his ability to trouble opposition batters on surfaces offering turn.

His recent four-wicket haul against Australia in the ODI series at Durban also underlined his effectiveness at the venue.

10. Dane Paterson

Dane Paterson could earn a place as one of South Africa’s specialist seamers. He has returned to the Test setup and could be preferred for his control and ability to maintain pressure over extended spells.

If the Proteas opt for three specialist quicks, Paterson’s accuracy could complement the pace and aggression of the other seamers.

11. Anrich Nortje

Anrich Nortje could complete the bowling attack and make his Test comeback after nearly four years away from red-ball cricket. His last Test appearance came against the West Indies in March 2023, where he claimed 5/36.

His raw pace could be a major weapon against Australia’s batting lineup. Nortje has been rebuilding his red-ball fitness and could provide South Africa with an additional X-factor at Kingsmead.

Predicted South Africa Playing XI vs Australia