Australia elect to bat first on Day 1 of first Test against South Africa at Kingsmead

Australia win toss and bat first in Durban

Australia have won the toss and opted to bat against South Africa in the first Test of the five-match series at Hollywoodbets Kingsmead, Durban, which began on Friday 9 October 2026. The match is the first Test between the sides in South Africa since the 2018 sandpapergate tour.

Early play and opening pair

Pat Cummins led Australia out after the anthems and Australia’s left-handed opening pair of Nic Maddinson and Travis Head walked out to start the innings. Marco Jansen started proceedings with the new ball for South Africa with three slips and a gully in place.

Live ball-by-ball notes from the Times of India blog show Jansen testing Maddinson early with a tight line around off stump at speeds over 139 kph, including a delivery that beat Maddinson on the inside edge and struck the batter on the body. Jansen also conceded four leg byes when Maddinson was beaten down the leg side.

Wiaan Mulder operated from the other end. He was brought on after the first over and produced a gentle inswinger at 126.3 kph to Travis Head, who tucked it to mid-wicket. Mulder later conceded the innings’ first boundary when a full delivery on middle and leg shaped back and Head tucked it to fine leg for four.

Scorecard snapshot

According to BBC Sport’s live scorecard at the time of reporting, Australia were 8 for 0 from 2.3 overs. Nic Maddinson was not out on 0 from 9 balls with nine dots, and Travis Head was not out on 4 from 6 balls with one four. Extras were 4 leg byes.

Bowler figures in play were Marco Jansen 1.3-1-0-0 and Wiaan Mulder 1.0-0-4-0.

Teams

South Africa XI: Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, David Bedingham, Temba Bavuma (c), Tristan Stubbs, Wiaan Mulder, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Simon Harmer, Anrich Nortje.

Australia XI: Nic Maddinson, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Matt Renshaw, Alex Carey (wk), Beau Webster, Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood.

Context and selection notes

South Africa have opted for two specialist spinners, Keshav Maharaj and Simon Harmer, with the Durban surface expected to slow and turn as the match progresses. Anrich Nortje returns to the Test side after more than three and a half years, with Kagiso Rabada omitted due to a hamstring injury.

South Africa head coach Shukri Conrad said preparations focused on freshening up after the ODI leg. He backed David Bedingham at number three, noting the batter’s form and his role in the side’s run to the WTC final.

Australia’s batting line-up reflects retirements of David Warner and Usman Khawaja. Questions remain around Marnus Labuschagne’s recent form at No.3, while Travis Head and Steven Smith carry the middle order. Nic Maddinson earns a recall after a remarkable comeback from testicular cancer diagnosed in April 2025 and chemotherapy, with a recent century for New South Wales against Victoria opening the door after an injury to Josh Inglis.

Alex Carey said the build-up has been good after an ODI in Durban a few days earlier, and noted the pitch looks good with hopes for runs. He added that with Cameron Green out injured, Maddinson’s return after ten years is a positive, and the side is excited for an early start.

Start time was 08:30 UK. Officials are Chris Gaffaney, Richard Kettleborough, Richard Illingworth, Javagal Srinath and Stephen Harris. Venue: Hollywoodbets Kingsmead, Durban.