SA vs AUS 2026: Mitchell Starc Plays Down Rivalry, Insists There Is ‘No Animosity’ Between Australia and South Africa
Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc declares 'no animosity' between Australia and South Africa ahead of their highly anticipated Test series. The first Test kicks off at Kingsmead, Durban, on October 9, 2026, as part of the 2025-2027 World Test Championship cycle.
Australia's formidable fast bowling spearhead, Mitchell Starc, believes the once-intense off-field friction that characterised contests against South Africa has largely dissipated. Speaking ahead of the first Test, set to commence at Kingsmead on October 9, Starc unequivocally stated that there is 'certainly no animosity left' between the two cricketing powerhouses. Where to Watch South Africa vs Australia 2026 Live Streaming Online and TV Channel Telecast in India.
'I think there's certainly no animosity there,' Starc remarked, highlighting the increasing familiarity between players due to franchise T20 leagues. He acknowledged that while there might be 'niggle on the other side of the fence more than on' from the famously passionate South African crowds, the personal relationships between players have evolved. Starc cited his IPL connections with Proteas talents like Tristan Stubbs and Lungi Ngidi as examples of this changed dynamic.
Return to South African Soil
This tour marks Australia's first red-ball visit to South Africa since the infamous 2018 series, which was marred by the 'Sandpaper-gate' scandal. The three-match Test series is a significant fixture in the 2025-2027 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, promising high-stakes cricket despite the toned-down off-field tensions. South Africa enters the series as the reigning World Test Champions, having defeated Australia in the 2025 WTC Final. Steve Smith Admits to ‘Sandpapergate’ Flashbacks Ahead of SA vs AUS Test Series 2026.
Series Schedule and Venue Details
The red-ball leg of Australia's tour of South Africa comprises three Tests, following a three-match One Day International (ODI) series.
Australia Tour of South Africa 2026 Test Series
| Match | Dates | Venue | Start Time (SAST) | Start Time (AEDT) | Start Time (IST) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Test | October 9-13, 2026 | Kingsmead, Durban | 9:30 AM | 6:30 PM | 1:00 PM |
| 2nd Test | October 18-22, 2026 | St George's Park, Gqeberha | 9:30 AM | 6:30 PM | 1:00 PM |
| 3rd Test | October 27-31, 2026 | Newlands, Cape Town | 9:30 AM | 6:30 PM | 1:00 PM |
Head-to-Head and Recent Form
Historically, Australia holds a significant advantage in Test cricket against South Africa. Out of 101 Test matches played between the two nations, Australia has won 54, while South Africa has emerged victorious in 26, with 21 matches ending in a draw. Australia Squad Announced for South Africa Test Series 2026.
Recent encounters, however, paint a more competitive picture. South Africa notably clinched the 2025 World Test Championship Final against Australia. In the last bilateral Test series played in Australia during the 2022-23 summer, Australia secured a 2-0 victory. The most recent Test series hosted in South Africa, in 2018, saw the Proteas triumph 3-1.
Despite Starc's assurances of diminished animosity, the return of Test cricket between these two top-tier nations, especially with South Africa as the reigning World Test Champions, promises a captivating and fiercely contested series for fans worldwide. Starc will be spearheading Australia's attack in the ODIs, which commences from September 24.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 23, 2026 02:29 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
