Cricket South Africa (CSA) have unveiled what can only be described as a pivotal domestic season for 2026-27 – a schedule filled with formidable opponents, prestigious venues and the promise of high-octane Test cricket. After facing criticism for a reduced domestic red-ball calendar in 2025-26, CSA has responded in force.
High-profile teams to tour South Africa
Eight home Tests, several white-ball series and three major cricket-playing nations – Australiabangladesh And England – Will be visiting South Africa in the summer to reminisce about the country’s golden age of Test dominance. More importantly, this season holds emotional significance. South Africa enters as ruler world test championLifted the mace at Lord’s last year, and now faces the challenge of defending that crown on home soil.
Australian team returns to the rainbow nation
The early spotlight is firmly on Australia, whose return to South African shores will bring back memories of intense competitions and dramatic chapters. This will be their first Test series in the country since an explosive 2018 tour – and tensions have run high since South Africa defeated Australia in the 2025 World Test Championship final.
The tour will begin with three ODIs in late September, including the much-hyped Pink Day event at the Wanderers – an event that combines cricket with social awareness and often attracts a throng of supporters dressed in pink.
The red-ball leg promises to be even more entertaining. The three Tests will be played in coastal venues – Durban, Gkebarha and Cape Town – known for pace, bounce and vocal crowds. For the Proteas, this series is personal. For Australia, it is about liberation. For neutrals, this is unforgettable theatre.
Bangladesh’s challenge in all formats
As November approaches, the focus turns to Bangladesh, who embark on a challenging tour across all formats. The two-Test series in Johannesburg and Centurion will be crucial to South Africa’s WTC campaign, especially in pace-friendly conditions that traditionally test the visiting batsmen.
But this tour goes beyond the red ball. Three ODIs in East London, Gkebarha and Cape Town will provide Bangladesh with an opportunity to showcase their white-ball development, while the T20I phase will take international cricket to Kimberley and Benoni – a refreshing move that expands the game beyond traditional metropolitan centres. For CSA, it’s about inclusivity and accessibility. For Bangladesh, it is about growth and resilience. For South Africa, it is a matter of maintaining dominance on home soil.
Also read: Fans got excited when South Africa defeated India in the Super 8 match in T20 World Cup 2026.
England’s festive arrival promises packed stadiums
The heartbeat of the South African summer has long been associated with festive tours of England – and 2026-27 will be no different. England will arrive in mid-December for a three-Test series that will mix tradition with anticipation.
The Boxing Day Test in Centurion and the New Year Test in Cape Town remain sacred places in the cricket calendar. Few experiences match the atmosphere of a packed SuperSport Park on 26 December or the postcard backdrop of Newlands as the New Year rings in.
Interestingly, CSA has postponed the planned T20I series to avoid clash with the SA20 league window. Instead, the tour ends with three ODIs in Paarl and Bloemfontein – valuable preparation ahead of the 2027 Cricket World Cup.
Australia tour of South Africa (event)
| match | date | venue |
|---|---|---|
| 1st ODI | September 24 | Durban |
| 2nd ODI | 27 September | johannesburg |
| 3rd ODI | 30 september | Potchefstroom |
| first test | 9-13 October | Durban |
| second test | 18-22 October | gqebaraha |
| third test | 27-31 October | cape town |
Bangladesh tour of South Africa (schedule)
| match | date | venue |
|---|---|---|
| first test | 15-19 November | johannesburg |
| second test | 23-27 November | Subedar |
| 1st ODI | 1 december | East London |
| 2nd ODI | 4th December | gqebaraha |
| 3rd ODI | 7th December | cape town |
| 1st t20i | 10th December | kimberley |
| 2nd t20i | 12th December | benoni |
| 3rd t20i | 13 december | Subedar |
England tour of South Africa (fixtures)
| match | date | venue |
|---|---|---|
| first test | 17-21 December | johannesburg |
| second test | 26-30 December | Subedar |
| third test | 3-7 January | cape town |
| 1st ODI | 10 January | Paarl |
| 2nd ODI | 13 January | Bloemfontein |
| 3rd ODI | 15 January | Bloemfontein |