KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • SuperSport announced a commentary team led by Makhaya Ntini for Australia‘s tour of South Africa, starting with the ODI series.

  • The same panel is expected to continue for the three Tests, which start on October 9 at Kingsmead in Durban.

  • Former Australian international Simon Katich and Zimbabwe’s Ed Rainsford join the South African greats on the panel.

Australia set for an exciting first Test series in South Africa since Sandpapergate

Australia are back in South Africa for their first full multi-format tour in eight years, and the build-up has been loud. The ODI series opened in Durban on Heritage Day, and the three Tests now follow from October 9 to October 31. The rivalry carries plenty of history, from the 1999 World Cup semifinal tie to the Newlands scandal in 2018.

The stakes are higher this time because South Africa beat Australia by five wickets at Lord’s in June 2025 to win the World Test Championship. The Proteas are the reigning Test champions, and they now host the same opponents they beat in that final.

SuperSport announced its team for the ODI series and put former South Africa fast bowler Makhaya Ntini in charge. Ntini played 101 Tests and took 390 wickets. Hashim Amla, Shaun Pollock and Vernon Philander join him, while Simon Katich provides the panel with a view from the other side. The same group is expected to continue when the Tests begin.

MORE: Jason Gillespie criticises how Cricket Australia handled Steve Smith after Sandpapergate

South Africa vs Australia Test series 2026: Full commentary team

SuperSport named this lineup for the ODI series, and it is expected to continue for the Tests. The broadcaster says its coverage will carry insight from both sides of the rivalry.

MORE:  SA vs AUS 1st Test playing XI: Kagiso Rabada ruled out; Anrich Nortje & David Bedingham return

South Africa vs Australia Test Series 2026: Presenters and broadcasters

Four presenters and broadcasters were named alongside the commentators for the ODI series, and they are also expected to continue for the Tests. 

Mbangwa, also known as Pommie, hosts a cricket round-table series on SuperSport. It kicked off with a one-hour special featuring Proteas bowling legends Allan Donald, Shaun Pollock, Paul Adams, Makhaya Ntini, Dale Steyn and Vernon Philander. The coverage arrives with a wider reach. 

MORE: Usman Khawaja reportedly warns Pat Cummins ahead of ‘explosive’ book release with Sandpapergate scandal revelations

South Africa vs Australia Test series 2026: ABC Sport commentary team

ABC Sport will bring every ball of the three Tests live on ABC Radio and the ABC listen app, which carries a dedicated cricket button for the series. The ABC coverage is audio only. Australian viewers who want pictures need Fox Sports or Kayo, which show the whole series live.

The ABC start times in eastern Australia are 6:30 p.m. AEDT for the Kingsmead Test on October 9, 7:00 p.m. for the Gqeberha Test from October 18 and 7:30 p.m. for the Newlands Test from October 27.

Australia tour of South Africa 2026: Tests start October 9 at Kingsmead

The first Test starts on Friday, October 9, at Kingsmead in Durban. The second is at St George’s Park in Gqeberha from October 18 to 22, and the third is at Newlands in Cape Town from October 27 to 31.

It is Australia’s first full tour of South Africa since the 2018 Newlands scandal, when Cameron Bancroft was caught using sandpaper to alter the ball. The episode led to lengthy bans for Bancroft, Steve Smith and David Warner.

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