Cricket Australia has confirmed the schedule for this year\u2019s Test tour to South Africa.<\/p>\n
With three back-to-back Tests in October, it will be the first time Australia has played red ball cricket on South African soil since the infamous \u2018sandpaper gate\u2019 tour of 2018\u2014and it\u2019s fair to say South African fans haven\u2019t forgotten.<\/p>\n
The release of the full tour schedule, which also includes three ODIs and two-day warm up match, was accompanied by an avalanche of sandpaper memes suggesting the Australians will need to bring thick skins as well as their strongest squad.<\/p>\n
Of the three men at the centre of the ball-tampering incident in Cape Town\u2014Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft, who all received lengthy suspensions\u2014only Smith remains in the Australian Test line-up.<\/p>\n
MORE:\u00a0When does Australia play its next Test match? Opponents, dates and venues for Australia\u2019s upcoming 2026 Test schedule<\/a><\/p>\n The former captain can expect an intense reception from local crowds and media everywhere he goes in South Africa, and more than likely a few sandpaper-related props.<\/p>\n The two nations last met in a Test match in 2025 in the Final of the ICC Test Championship at The Oval with South Africa winning by five wickets to lift the mace.<\/p>\n Australia vs. South Africa: 2026 Test Match Schedule<\/p>\n 9-12\u00a0October 2026<\/p>\n First Test<\/p>\n Kingsmead Stadium, Durban<\/p>\n 18-22\u00a0October 2026<\/p>\n Second Test<\/p>\n St. George’s Park, Gqeberha<\/p>\n 27-31 October 2026<\/p>\n Third Test<\/p>\n Newlands, Cape Town<\/p>\n Can’t wait for the squad announcement & what extras the cricket bags may have inside them pic.twitter.com\/S07ONc2BHh<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Raden (@VLQ28) February 23, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n