# Durban Hosts South Africa vs Australia 1st Test: Broadcast Details and Team News > South Africa take on Australia in the opening Test of their three-match series at Kingsmead in Durban starting October 9. Fans in India can watch the broadcast live on EURO SPORTS and stream via FanCode. **Type:** article · **Category:** Cricket · **Published:** 2026-10-08 · **Source:** TrendKia **Canonical:** https://trendkia.com/en/cricket/durban-men-south-africa-aura-australia-ke-bicha-testa-jnga-janie-laiva-maicha-ka-pura-shedyula-44943 · **Language:** English **Tags:** South Africa vs Australia, First Test, Durban Test, Cricket Live Streaming, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, FanCode, EURO SPORTS A high-stakes battle in the longest format of the game is set to get underway as South Africa face off against Australia in a three-match Test series. The opening encounter begins on October 9 in Durban, marking Australia's first Test tour of the country since 2018. That previous tour was heavily overshadowed by the infamous sandpaper ball-tampering controversy, which resulted in major turmoil for the Australian side. With considerable time having elapsed since that incident, cricket followers worldwide are eagerly anticipating this fresh red-ball clash between two dominant cricketing powers. ## Match Timings, Toss, and Live Streaming Details for India The first Test will be played at the Kingsmead Stadium in Durban. For viewers across India, the toss is scheduled to take place at 12:30 PM IST, followed by the start of day one action at 1:00 PM IST. Television audiences in India can watch the match broadcast live on the EURO SPORTS channel. Those opting for digital viewing can stream the live action via the FanCode mobile application and smart TV interface by logging in on their supported devices. ## Head-to-Head Test Record Heavily Favours Australia Australia boast an impressive track record across global Test venues, and their history against South Africa demonstrates significant dominance. Across the 102 Test matches played between the two nations, Australia have registered 54 victories, compared to 27 wins for South Africa, with 21 matches ending in a draw. Even when looking strictly at matches staged on South African soil, the visiting Australian team holds a substantial edge. Out of 54 Tests contested in South Africa between these sides, Australia have emerged victorious in 29 matches, while the hosts have claimed just 16 wins. The remaining 9 fixtures concluded in draws, underscoring the formidable challenge South Africa face on their own home turf. ## Kagiso Rabada Sidelined as Anrich Nortje Returns After Three Years South Africa have confirmed their playing eleven for the opening fixture, with notable adjustments in their seam bowling department. Premier strike bowler Kagiso Rabada will miss the match after being deemed unfit for selection. In his absence, express pacer Anrich Nortje makes his return to the Test arena following a three-year hiatus. Nortje is slated to share new-ball duties alongside fellow fast bowler Marco Jansen as the Proteas look to challenge the Australian batting lineup from the outset. ## What this means for you Cricket enthusiasts can plan their viewing schedule for the afternoon as two premier red-ball sides battle in South Africa. - **For Television Viewers:** Indian fans should ensure that the EURO SPORTS channel is part of their active television subscription pack before play begins. The match broadcast will commence ahead of the scheduled 12:30 PM IST toss on October 9. - **For Streaming Audiences:** Viewers preferring online coverage will need active access to the FanCode digital platform on their phones or smart TVs. Setting up the application ahead of the 1:00 PM IST start time will prevent missing any opening-session action. - **For Fantasy Cricket Players:** Key pacer Kagiso Rabada is ruled out due to fitness issues and must not be selected in fantasy lineups. Instead, seamers Anrich Nortje and Marco Jansen will take up the frontline bowling duties for South Africa. - **For Test Cricket Followers:** This contest marks Australia's first Test series in South Africa since the 2018 sandpaper controversy. It sets the tone for the entire three-match series between two top-tier cricketing nations. ## Why this happened This match is the opening fixture of a scheduled three-match Test tour between South Africa and Australia. It also marks Australia's return to Test cricket on South African soil for the first time since their contentious 2018 visit. - **Scheduled Bilateral Series:** Australia have travelled to South Africa to play a three-Test bilateral series, with Kingsmead in Durban chosen as the venue for the first match. Both teams are contesting the series as part of regular international cricket commitments. - **Historic Context of the 2018 Tour:** Australia's previous Test series in South Africa took place in 2018 and became infamous due to the sandpaper ball-tampering episode. The substantial gap between Test tours in the country has generated heightened interest around this return series. - **Selection Adjustments in the South African Side:** Lead fast bowler Kagiso Rabada was sidelined after failing a fitness assessment prior to team selection. Consequently, the team management recalled Anrich Nortje after three years away from the format to partner Marco Jansen with the new ball. ## Questions & Answers ### 1. When does the first Test between South Africa and Australia begin? The match begins on October 9, with the toss scheduled for 12:30 PM IST and the first ball at 1:00 PM IST. ### 2. Where is the first Test match being played? The opening Test is taking place at Kingsmead Stadium in Durban. ### 3. How can viewers in India watch the match on TV and online? The match will be televised live on EURO SPORTS and streamed digitally on the FanCode application. ### 4. Is Kagiso Rabada playing in the opening Test match? No, Kagiso Rabada has been ruled out of the first Test because he is unfit. ### 5. Which South African bowler makes a Test return after three years? Fast bowler Anrich Nortje makes his comeback to the Test playing eleven after a three-year gap. ### 6. What is the overall head-to-head Test record between South Africa and Australia? Out of 102 Tests played, Australia have won 54 and South Africa have won 27, with 21 matches ending in a draw. ### 7. What is Australia's Test record in South Africa? In 54 Tests played in South Africa, Australia have won 29, lost 16, and drawn 9. --- _TrendKia — Har trend, sabse pehle.. Machine-readable view; canonical HTML at the URL above._