Watch South Africa vs Australia 2026 1st Test: Live Streams

South Africa vs Australia 2026 1st Test: October 9-13 Daily start time: 8.30am BST / 3.30am ET / 6.30 AEDT Free Streams: SABC 3 / SABC+ (South Africa) Unlock your stream with NordVPN (save up to 75%) The South Africa vs Australia 1st Test 2026 could scarcely be dripping in more narrative.

<![CDATA[ <article> <ul><li><strong>South Africa vs Australia 2026 1st Test: October 9-13</strong></li><li><strong>Daily start time: 8.30am BST / 3.30am ET / 6.30 AEDT</strong></li><li><strong>Free Streams: </strong><a href="https://sabc-plus.com/live/322/S3" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><strong>SABC 3 / SABC+</strong></a><strong> (South Africa)</strong></li><li><a href="http://go.nordvpn.net/aff_c?offer_id=564&aff_id=3013&url_id=10992" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><strong>Unlock your stream with NordVPN (save up to 75%)</strong></a></li></ul><p>The South Africa vs Australia 1st Test 2026 could scarcely be dripping in more narrative. Eight years have passed since the Aussies last played a five-day game in the Rainbow Nation, with then captain Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft conspiring to use sandpaper to rough up the ball. The scandal, and attempted coverup, has dominated chatter between Test cricket's top two sides ever since.</p><p>Smith is the only member of that trio still in the Australia setup and you can bet the 37-year-old batter, who received a 12-month ban for his role in the ball-tampering affair, will cop for some stick. Keeping matters on the pitch, South Africa-born Marnus Labuschagne scored his first century in any form of cricket for a year in the warmup game against a Cricket South Africa Invitation XI to likely keep his place at first drop despite no century in a Test match dating back to the Ashes in 2023. Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon and Matt Renshaw should all feature but Cameron Green will miss out with an abdominal strain for Pat Cummins' side. Nic Maddinson or Cooper Connolly will be Green's likely replacement, the former hasn't played first-class cricket in 19 months.</p><p>South Africa will be buoyed by dominating much of the recent <a href="https://www.techradar.com/how-to-watch/cricket/south-africa-vs-australia-2026-odi-series">ODI series</a> between the sides. Temba Bavuma will again lead the side, with Marques Ackerman expected to make his debut at No.3 in a trial by fire against Australia's fearsome attack. Kagiso Rabada has bowled in an intra-squad match and a late decision will be made on whether the fast bowler will be fit. Anrich Nortje returns to the side, while Simon Harmer and Keshav Maharaj spun India into defeat last November and will look to put pressure on an Australian batting lineup that has notably faltered in recent series.</p><p>This is the first of a three-match series between the world top two-ranked Test sides, with Port Elizabeth and Cape Town to follow. </p><p>Read on as we explain how to watch the South Africa vs Australia 2026 1st Test online, on TV and <strong>potentially for free</strong> wherever you are. </p><section class="article__schema-question"><h3>Can I watch South Africa vs Australia 1st Test 2026 for free?</h3><article class="article__schema-answer"><p>Yes, in South Africa you can stream the 1st day of the Test between South Africa and Australia live for free right now on <strong>SABC 3 </strong>and via the <a href="https://sabc-plus.com/live/322/S3" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><strong>SABC+</strong></a><strong> </strong>streaming service.</p><p><strong>Not in SA right now?</strong> You'll need a VPN like <a href="http://go.nordvpn.net/aff_c?offer_id=564&aff_id=3013&url_id=10992" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><strong>NordVPN</strong></a> to watch your regular streams as normal and avoid getting geo-blocked.</p></article></section><h2 class="article-body__section" id="section-how-to-watch-any-south-africa-vs-australia-2026-1st-test-stream-using-a-vpn"><span>How to watch any South Africa vs Australia 2026 1st Test stream using a VPN</span></h2><p>A VPN is handy piece of software that can make your device appear as if it's back in your home country, so you can unlock your usual service. The <a href="https://www.techradar.com/vpn/best-vpn" target="_blank">best VPN</a> right now? We recommend <a href="http://go.nordvpn.net/aff_c?offer_id=564&aff_id=3013&url_id=10992" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">NordVPN</a> – it does everything and comes with up to 75% off.</p><div class="product"><a data-dimension112="a66664a0-c233-11f1-92a7-35417b99166e" data-action="Deal Block" data-label="NordVPN – get the world's best VPN" data-dimension48="NordVPN – get the world's best VPN" href="http://go.nordvpn.net/aff_c?offer_id=564&aff_id=3013&url_id=10992" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><figure class="van-image-figure " ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:140px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:100.00%;"><img id="sQzTzh6cq5yT7jRyuhUMZ7" name="NordVPN logo.png" caption="" alt="" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/sQzTzh6cq5yT7jRyuhUMZ7-1920-80.png" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="" width="140" height="140" attribution="" endorsement="" credit="" class=""></p></div></div></figure></a><p>🟩 <a href="http://go.nordvpn.net/aff_c?offer_id=564&aff_id=3013&url_id=10992" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" data-dimension112="a66664a0-c233-11f1-92a7-35417b99166e" data-action="Deal Block" data-label="NordVPN – get the world's best VPN" data-dimension48="NordVPN – get the world's best VPN" data-dimension25=""><strong>NordVPN – get the world's best VPN</strong></a><br><br>Not having a VPN is like leaving your front door wide open in a busy city – anyone can walk right in and take a peek.<br><br>TechRadar regularly reviews all the biggest and best VPN providers and <a href="https://www.techradar.com/reviews/nordvpn"><strong>NordVPN is our #1 choice</strong></a>.<br><br><strong>✅ </strong><em><strong>Up to 75% off today</strong></em><br><strong>✅ </strong><em><strong>3 extra months free</strong></em><br>✅ <em><strong>Unlocks all necessary streaming services</strong></em><br><br>Get NordVPN and live stream the South Africa vs Australia 2026 1st Test series from anywhere.<a class="view-deal button" href="http://go.nordvpn.net/aff_c?offer_id=564&aff_id=3013&url_id=10992" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" data-dimension112="a66664a0-c233-11f1-92a7-35417b99166e" data-action="Deal Block" data-label="NordVPN – get the world's best VPN" data-dimension48="NordVPN – get the world's best VPN" data-dimension25="">View Deal</a></p></div><h2 class="article-body__section" id="section-how-to-watch-south-africa-vs-australia-2026-1st-test-live-streams-in-the-us"><span>How to watch South Africa vs Australia 2026 1st Test live streams in the US</span></h2><figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:2035px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:10.02%;"><img id="DoEjk9XkLEfDXzvAK7fihk" name="Usa flag.jpg" alt="USA flag" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/DoEjk9XkLEfDXzvAK7fihk-1920-80.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="" width="2035" height="204" attribution="" endorsement="" class=""></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Other)</span></figcaption></figure><p>In the US, <a href="https://www.willow.tv/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><strong>Willow TV</strong></a> will broadcast the South Africa vs Australia 2026 1st Test.</p><p>If you don't have it as part of your cable package, you can watch Willow coverage through your choice of <a href="https://www.techradar.com/news/sling-tv-explained"><strong>Sling TV's</strong></a><strong> Desi Binge Plus</strong> or <strong>Dakshin Flex</strong> plans – starting <a href="https://www.sling.com/international/desi-tv/cricket" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><strong>from $10 per month</strong></a>.</p><p><strong>Outside the US?</strong> Use <a href="http://go.nordvpn.net/aff_c?offer_id=564&aff_id=3013&url_id=10992" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><strong>NordVPN</strong></a> to watch Willow TV's South Africa vs Australia 1st Test coverage from anywhere.</p><h2 class="article-body__section" id="section-how-to-watch-south-africa-vs-australia-2026-1st-test-live-streams-in-the-uk"><span>How to watch South Africa vs Australia 2026 1st Test live streams in the UK</span></h2><figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:2984px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:10.02%;"><img id="SFNJ5LrHn6npyWTKVdbpWo" name="UK.jpg" alt="UK flag" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/SFNJ5LrHn6npyWTKVdbpWo-1920-80.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="" width="2984" height="299" attribution="" endorsement="" class=""></p></div></div></figure><p>The South Africa vs Australia 2026 1st Test is being shown on <a href="https://www.sky.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><strong>Sky Sports</strong></a>, with live coverage on <strong>Sky Sports Cricket</strong> and <strong>Sky Sports Main Event</strong>. </p><p>Sky Sports plans start from £35/month, or £24 if you're an existing Sky subscriber. Alternatively, grab a Now Sports subscription from £14.99/day or £34.99/month.</p><p><strong>Outside the UK right now?</strong> Use <a href="https://go.nordvpn.net/aff_c?offer_id=564&aff_id=3013&url_id=33286" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><strong>NordVPN</strong></a> to access your preferred coverage of the South Africa vs Australia 1st Test.</p><h2 class="article-body__section" id="section-how-to-watch-south-africa-vs-australia-2026-1st-test-live-streams-in-india"><span>How to watch South Africa vs Australia 2026 1st Test live streams in India</span></h2><figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:1200px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:10.00%;"><img id="bFovtSJ4DfnfuZoVgdWhES" name="india flag.jpg" alt="India flag" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/bFovtSJ4DfnfuZoVgdWhES-1920-80.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="" width="1200" height="120" attribution="" endorsement="" class=""></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Wikimedia Commons)</span></figcaption></figure><p>The South Africa vs Australia 2026 1st Test is being shown on the <a href="https://www.fancode.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><strong>FanCode</strong></a> app and website in India.</p><p>The monthly FanCode subscription costs just ₹199, but you can also get a standalone pass for Australia's tour of South Africa for even less.</p><p>If you're currently out of India but want to watch a South Africa vs Australia 1st Test live stream, you'll need to <a href="http://go.nordvpn.net/aff_c?offer_id=564&aff_id=3013&url_id=10992" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><strong>get yourself a VPN</strong></a>, as per the instructions above.</p><h2 class="article-body__section" id="section-how-to-watch-south-africa-vs-australia-2026-1st-test-live-streams-in-australia"><span>How to watch South Africa vs Australia 2026 1st Test live streams in Australia</span></h2><figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:1912px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:10.04%;"><img id="s2wHJ8QuvvcYfCJNxRe4C4" name="Australian flag" alt="Australian flag" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/s2wHJ8QuvvcYfCJNxRe4C4-1920-80.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="" width="1912" height="192" attribution="" endorsement="" class=""></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: free)</span></figcaption></figure><p>The South Africa vs Australia 1st Test is being shown on <strong>Fox Cricket via </strong><a href="https://foxtel-au.sjv.io/c/338476/1089150/12973?utm_term=305719136&sf=t&utm_campaign=25690126&utm_medium=3207503&pid=305719136&sid=498731089" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><strong>Foxtel</strong></a> in Australia, with live streaming available via <a href="https://kayosports.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><strong>Kayo Sports</strong></a>.<strong> </strong></p><p>Kayo Sports subscriptions start at AU$30 per month after a <strong>7-day free trial</strong>, as detailed above. Equally, you can get your first month for AU$1.</p><p>Remember if you're out of Australia at all during the series, <a href="http://go.nordvpn.net/aff_c?offer_id=564&aff_id=3013&url_id=10992" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><strong>get yourself a VPN</strong></a> to stream the South Africa vs Australia 2026 1st Test from anywhere in the world.</p><h2 class="article-body__section" id="section-how-to-watch-south-africa-vs-australia-2026-1st-test-live-streams-in-south-africa"><span>How to watch South Africa vs Australia 2026 1st Test live streams in South Africa</span></h2><figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:1000px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:10.00%;"><img id="YqCy4oJ4uyf7b97nYhXNCY" name="za.jpg" alt="South Africa flag" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/YqCy4oJ4uyf7b97nYhXNCY-1920-80.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="" width="1000" height="100" attribution="" endorsement="" class=""></p></div></div></figure><p>Supersport and SABC will broadcast South Africa vs Australia 1st Test in South Africa.</p><p>A <a href="https://www.dstv.com/en-za/buy/dstv-packages/dstv-access/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><strong>DStv access package</strong></a> is the best way to stream the action, with prices starting at Rs399/month.</p><p>SABC is free and will have coverage on SABC 3.</p><p><strong>Abroad right now?</strong> Just use a <a href="http://go.nordvpn.net/aff_c?offer_id=564&aff_id=3013&url_id=10992" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><strong>VPN</strong></a> and tell your device that you're back home and you'll be good to go.</p><h3 class="article-body__section" id="section-how-to-watch-south-africa-vs-australia-2026-1st-test-live-streams-in-new-zealand"><span>How to watch South Africa vs Australia 2026 1st Test live streams in New Zealand</span></h3><figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:1339px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:10.01%;"><img id="kZWNrTtXZs7Ep2c7452KSo" name="2000px-Flag_of_New_Zealand.jpg" alt="New Zealand flag" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/kZWNrTtXZs7Ep2c7452KSo-1920-80.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="" width="1339" height="134" attribution="" endorsement="" class=""></p></div></div></figure><p>In New Zealand, <a href="https://www.sky.co.nz/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><strong>Sky Sport NZ</strong></a><strong> </strong>is showing the South Africa vs Australia 2026 1st Test.</p><p>You can access Sky Sport through satellite TV or get a live stream, with the <a href="https://www.welcome.skysportnow.co.nz/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><strong>Sky Sport Now subscription service</strong></a> starting at $29.99 per day or $54.99 per month.</p><p>Those outside of New Zealand for any part of the series can use <a href="http://go.nordvpn.net/aff_c?offer_id=564&aff_id=3013&url_id=10992" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><strong>NordVPN</strong></a> to gain access to their home streaming service.</p><h2 class="article-body__section" id="section-south-africa-vs-australia-2026-1st-test-faqs"><span>South Africa vs Australia 2026 1st Test FAQs</span></h2><section class="article__schema-question"><h3>What are the South Africa vs Australia 2026 1st Test squads?</h3><article class="article__schema-answer"><p><strong>South Africa: </strong>Temba Bavuma (c), Marques Ackerman, David Bedingham, Corbin Bosch, Gerald Coetzee, Tony de Zorzi, Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram. Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Anrich Nortje, Dane Paterson, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne (wk)</p><p><strong>Australia: </strong>Pat Cummins (c), Steve Smith (vc), Scott Boland, Alex Carey (wk), Cooper Connolly, Cameron Green, Sam Harper (wk), Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis (wk), Matthew Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Nic Maddinson, Michael Neser, Matt Renshaw, Mitchell Starc, Beau Webster</p></article></section><p>We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad.We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.</p> </article> ]]>