South Africa vs Australia Test 1st Test Predictions - Bavuma to beat Aussies back-to-back
South Africa are favored to win against Australia, with Temba Bavuma expected to score above 64.5 runs and Marco Jansen tipped to take over 5.5 wickets. The analysis also anticipates strong performances from Australians Marnus Labuschagne and Mitchell Starc. The article's key takeaway is the expert backing of South Africa, underpinned by Bavuma and Jansen’s recent form, while highlighting Australian players likely to make a significant impact.
- South Africa have won their last three Tests on the bounce.
- Australia have won eight of their last 10 Tests, with two defeats in their last four Tests.
- Dry conditions are expected at Kingsmead which has a first-innings average of 285.
Temba Bavuma has scored 40, 106, 36, 66, 55* & 41 in his last 8 Test knocks (Getty Images).
South Africa vs Australia Predictions
Australia have won almost twice as many Tests against South Africa than they have lost, but the Proteas have the rub in terms of recent form. Proteas skipper Temba Bavuma is a man for the big occasion and averages 41.78 after 17 knocks against Australia.
- South Africa’s Temba Bavuma has scored 91, 30 & 103 in his last 4 knocks.
- South Africa’s Ryan Rickelton has scores of 54*, 49, 127, 27 & 71* in his last 5 innings.
- South Africa’s Marco Jansen took 3/39 & 4/61 in his last red ball match.
- Australia’s Mitchell Starc has scored 42, 60 *& 111 in his last 3 innings.
- Australia’s Marnus Labuschagne has scores of 36, 84, 24 & 22 in his last 4 innings.
- Australia’s Mitchell Starc took 6/12 & 4/39 in his last Test against Bangladesh.
Head-to-Head
South Africa have won two and lost two of their last five Tests against Australia, with the other match ending in a draw.
South Africa Form
South Africa enter the opening Test with strong momentum after dominating the ODI series and building on strong recent home Test success. Temba Bavuma leads a balanced side combining experience, depth and an imposing bowling attack.
Bavuma anchors the batting with Aiden Markram, David Bedingham, Tristan Stubbs, Ryan Rickelton and Kyle Verreynne providing plenty of support. Stubbs was South Africa’s leading scorer in their last Test series against India, making 163 runs across four innings. Tony de Zorzi’s injury will force a reshuffle at the top of the order.
The bowling remains the Proteas' major strength. Kagiso Rabada is fit again although not yet cleared by their medical team. If he plays he will head a pace unit that can call on Anrich Nortje, Gerald Coetzee and Dane Paterson, while Keshav Maharaj and Simon Harmer provide the spin options.
Australia Form
Australia arrive at Kingsmead looking to recover from their ODI series defeat as they look to reassert themselves in the Test format. Pat Cummins captains an experienced side whose greatest strength remains a world-class bowling attack.
Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne form the backbone of the batting, while Travis Head adds aggression and Matthew Renshaw is expected to feature at the top. Alex Carey remains an important wicketkeeper-batter, with Josh Inglis also available.
Cameron Green’s absence through an abdominal injury is a significant blow after he scored 184 runs in the recent series against Bangladesh. Cummins leads a formidable pace group that includes Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Scott Boland. Starc took 12 wickets against Bangladesh, while Hazlewood claimed eight. Nathan Lyon is their main spin threat and has decades of Test experience.
Team News
The Proteas are sweating on Kagiso Rabada’s availability and a late call will be made on his fitness. Anrich Nortje is likely to start after some time out of the Test side, but Tony de Zorzi is out through injury. Cameron Green’s injury during the 3rd ODI will keep him out of the Aussie side.
South Africa (possible XI): Ryan Rickelton, Aiden Markram, Marques Ackermann, Temba Bavuma (c), David Bedingham, Tristan Stubbs, Marco Jansen, Wiaan Mulder, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje.
Australia (possible XI): Travis Head, Matthew Renshaw, Cooper Connolly, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Alex Carey, Beau Webster, Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon.
Verdict
South Africa are tipped to beat Australia, with Temba Bavuma a strong candidate to be in the runs again. Marco Jansen has been in great form with the ball, while I’m also backing Marnus Labuschagne and Mitchell Starc to star for the Aussies.
Temba Bavuma
Score Over 64.5 Runs
@1,83 - 2 Units
up to R15,000 + 100 Spins
use referral code BETS
Join ReadySetBet with promo code BETS and unlock their deposit bonus up to R15000 across the first three deposits + 100 no deposit spins. 18+. T&Cs apply.
Mitchell Starc
Take Over 5.5 Wickets
@1,90 - 1 Unit
Get up to R1500 (for 1st 6 bets)
use promo code BETS
18+. T&Cs apply. The Pantherbet promo code is BETS.
Marco Jansen
Take Over 5.5 Wickets
@2,00 - 1 Unit
Get 100% up to R5 000
for your first deposit
Make your first deposit and get 100% up to R5,000 Bonus to bet on sports or games. New customers only. 18+ T&Cs and wagering requirements apply. To activate the bonus, select it from the cashier.
South Africa Win
Result
@2,15 - 1 Unit
Get up to R15,000 + 50 spins
100% First Deposit Bonus
Earn up to R15,000 in bonus funds PLUS 50 Free Spins when you first deposit. To get started, register and make your First Deposit *Min R10 and get 100% free up to R15,000 paid out as cash in 10 equal parts as you meet the wagering requirements. T&Cs apply.
Related
Top Betting Sites
Betting offers
Upcoming Events
08 October 2026
- Open de Espana -
- Golf
- Warriors vs Northern Cape -
- Cricket
09 October 2026
- Northland vs Tasman -
- Rugby Union
- South Africa vs Australia 1st Test -
- Cricket
- Glasgow Warriors vs Connacht -
- Rugby Union
- Dragons vs Ospreys -
- Rugby Union
- Leicester Tigers vs Gloucester -
- Rugby Union
10 October 2026
- North Harbour vs Taranaki -
- Rugby Union
- Otago vs Hawke's Bay -
- Rugby Union
Load More
