SA vs AUS Playing 11 Today, Live Streaming, Pitch & Weather: South Africa vs Australia 2nd Test 2026

SA vs AUS Playing 11 Today, Live Streaming, Pitch & Weather: South Africa vs Australia 2nd Test 2026

South Africa vs Australia 2nd Test: Preview, Prediction, Playing XI and Where to Watch

South Africa face a must-win challenge when they meet Australia in the second Test of their three-match series at St George’s Park in Gqeberha. The match is scheduled to begin on Sunday, October 18, and will also contribute valuable points to the 2025–27 ICC World Test Championship (WTC).

Australia arrive with a 1–0 lead after a commanding 214-run victory in Durban. For the hosts, the task is clear: produce a stronger batting performance and make the most of familiar home conditions to keep the series alive. Australia, meanwhile, will look to carry their first-Test momentum into Gqeberha and move closer to securing the series.

The return of fast bowler Kagiso Rabada could be a significant boost for South Africa, although his match fitness will be closely watched. With an inviting early surface, a history of spin later in the game and possible rain interruptions, the second Test promises several tactical challenges.

SA vs AUS match preview and recent form

South Africa were unable to keep pace with Australia in the series opener. They scored 284 in their first innings, then fell short while chasing a target of 421. David Bedingham offered some resistance with scores of 49 and 46, while Aiden Markram’s second-innings 75 was one of the more promising signs for the home side.

South Africa will need more substantial contributions from their top order if they are to put Australia under pressure. A strong start would be especially useful at St George’s Park, where the pitch is generally at its best for batting earlier in a Test before wear and slower conditions can bring spin into play.

Rabada is expected to return after missing the Durban match with a hamstring injury. His record against Australia is impressive: 58 wickets in 11 Tests at an average of 21.39. Alongside Anrich Nortje and Marco Jansen, he could give South Africa the pace and bounce needed to unsettle Australia’s batters.

Australia’s first-Test performance was built on a commanding effort with both bat and ball. Matt Renshaw made 190 in the first innings and followed it with 82 in the second, helping set up the match-winning target. Nic Maddinson also contributed 48 in the second innings after being dismissed for a 33-ball duck earlier in the game.

Josh Hazlewood was the standout bowler, claiming career-best Test figures of 6/49 in South Africa’s fourth innings. Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc will aim to maintain the pressure with the new ball, while Nathan Lyon gives Australia an experienced spin option as the surface wears.

SA vs AUS prediction: Who has the edge?

Australia start as the more settled side after their emphatic win in Durban, and their batting depth gives them a strong platform. Renshaw’s form and Hazlewood’s accuracy will be major advantages if they can reproduce their first-Test impact.

However, a prediction for the second Test depends heavily on the conditions and Rabada’s availability. South Africa have a strong record at St George’s Park, and a fit Rabada could transform the balance of their bowling attack. If the hosts bat with greater discipline and their quicks exploit early movement, they have a realistic opportunity to level the series. Australia appear to hold the momentum, but the home side’s venue advantage makes this a more competitive contest than the opening Test.

St George’s Park pitch report

The Gqeberha surface typically offers a balanced contest. Early in the match, pace and bounce can reward fast bowlers, while batters who settle in may find opportunities to build a substantial score. The average first-innings total at the venue is 313.

As the game progresses, the pitch tends to slow and deteriorate. St George’s Park has become one of South Africa’s more spin-friendly Test venues since 2020, making Keshav Maharaj and Nathan Lyon potential factors in the later innings. Scoring averages fall to 217 in the third innings and 159 in the fourth, a pattern that could encourage the captain winning the toss to consider batting first.

Historically, teams batting first have won 15 of the 33 Tests at the ground, compared with 13 victories for teams bowling first. The highest team total is Australia’s 549/7 declared against South Africa, while the highest successful chase is 271/8, also achieved by Australia. The lowest total at the venue is South Africa’s 30 against England.

St George’s Park Test records

Matches: 33 | Average first-innings score: 313 | Average second-innings score: 238

Average third-innings score: 217 | Average fourth-innings score: 159

Highest individual score: 196, Herschelle Gibbs vs India, 2001

Best innings bowling: 8/7, George Lohmann vs South Africa, 1896

Weather forecast and rain threat

Temperatures are forecast to range from 14°C to 20°C on the opening day, with wind potentially making conditions more difficult for players. Rain could interrupt Sunday’s play: AccuWeather has forecast a possible morning thunderstorm and a 55% chance of precipitation. Showers are also possible on Monday, creating a risk of further delays.

Conditions are expected to improve from Tuesday, though forecasts can change as match day approaches. Any lost time could affect team strategies, particularly if captains have to reassess declarations or manage their bowling resources around interruptions.

Team news and squad updates

South Africa have left Tristan Stubbs out of their 17-player squad after he scored 32 and 1 in the first Test. Matthew Breetzke has been added as his replacement. Rabada is expected to return from his hamstring injury, but his readiness remains a key selection consideration after he missed two training sessions before the match.

Australia are monitoring Cameron Green’s recovery from an abdominal strain. Wicketkeeper Josh Inglis has also returned to the squad after recovering from a broken finger, with his fitness to be assessed before the final XI is confirmed.

SA vs AUS predicted playing XIs

South Africa: Aiden Markram, Matthew Breetzke, David Bedingham, Temba Bavuma (captain), Marques Ackerman, Ryan Rickelton (wicketkeeper), Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje.

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

Key player battles to watch

Kagiso Rabada vs Steve Smith: Rabada’s ability to find movement and attack the stumps could test Smith before Australia’s experienced batter settles. Smith’s composure in the middle order will be important if South Africa strike early.

Anrich Nortje vs Matt Renshaw: Renshaw was the defining batter in Durban, and Nortje may look to challenge him with pace and short-pitched bowling. How Renshaw handles that pressure could shape Australia’s first-innings total.

Josh Hazlewood vs Aiden Markram: Markram showed resilience with his second-innings 75 in the opener. Hazlewood’s disciplined line outside off stump will test whether the South African opener can turn that promise into a bigger contribution.

Players to watch

South Africa: Kagiso Rabada, Aiden Markram and Wiaan Mulder could be central to the hosts’ response. Rabada leads the pace attack, Markram must help establish a reliable top-order platform, and Mulder’s all-round contribution could offer balance.

Australia: Matt Renshaw, Josh Hazlewood and Steve Smith are key figures for the visitors. Renshaw will look to continue his prolific run, Hazlewood will aim to reproduce his match-winning accuracy, and Smith remains a crucial stabilising presence.

Where to watch SA vs AUS 2nd Test

In India, the second Test will be broadcast on the Eurosport network, with live streaming available through the FanCode app and website. Viewers in South Africa can follow the match on SuperSport, while Australian audiences can watch on Fox Cricket and Kayo Sports.

Start time: 1:30 PM IST / 10:00 AM local time on Sunday, October 18.

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