South Africa vs Australia - Newlands Test Record

Simon Lewis

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Simon Lewis 1 hour ago

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The 3rd Test at Newlands will be played from 27-31 October 2026.
Since readmission the two sides have played seven Tests at Newlands, with Australia Australia leading the win count 4-3
The Proteas have won three of the last four Tests against Australia at Newlands.
This year's Newlands Test will decide who wins the current series.

South Africa beat Australia in their last Test meeting at Newlands (Getty Images).

Australia Hold Narrow Newlands Edge

Australia Hold Narrow Newlands Edge
South Africa vs Australia Tests at Newlands since readmission
The Match That Turned Cricket Upside Down
South Africa's Record 651
Australia's Record Chase
The 2018 Turning Point
Three Talking Points for 2026

When South Africa and Australia meet at Newlands on 27 October they return to a ground where the rivalry has produced seven decisive results since readmission. Australia lead 4-3 in Test wins although the Proteas have won three of their last four meetings, most famously the extraordinary 2011 Test and the Sandpapergate clash in 2018 that saw the Proteas take a 2-1 lead in the series.

South Africa vs Australia Tests at Newlands since readmission

Season	Winner	Margin
1993/94	Australia	9 wickets
2001/02	Australia	4 wickets
2005/06	Australia	7 wickets
2008/09	South Africa	Innings & 20 runs
2011/12	South Africa	8 wickets
2013/14	Australia	245 runs
2017/18	South Africa	322 runs

The Match That Turned Cricket Upside Down

Newlands witnessed one of Test cricket's most astonishing days in November 2011 when South Africa were bowled out for 96 only for Australia to collapse for 47 runs off just 18 overs.

Vernon Philander took 5/15 as the visitors recorded their lowest Test total against South Africa. Hashim Amla then hit 112 to guide the home side to an eight-wicket victory.

South Africa's Record 651

In March 2009 the hosts amassed a total of 651 runs to beat Australia by an innings and 20 runs. Their huge innings score remains the highest team total in Tests at Newlands. The visitors replied with 422 in their second innings but could not avert defeat.

Australia's Record Chase

Australia chased 334/6 in March 2002 to record the highest successful fourth-innings chase at Newlands. The visitors went on to win by four wickets. Twelve years Australia declared on 494/7 and 303/5 before dismissing South Africa for 265 to win the deciding 2014 Test by 245 runs.

The 2018 Turning Point

South Africa won the 3rd Test by 322 runs in March 2018 after scoring 311 and 373. They restricted Australia to scores of 255 and 107 in their second innings. The Test is remembered for the ball-tampering scandal that triggered sanctions and changed Australian cricket. The Proteas went on to win the series 3-1.

Three Talking Points for 2026

Australia still have the advantage in the post-1992 Newlands stakes, winning four Tests to three.
South Africa have won three of the last four Tests between the two sides at Newlands.
The 2026 decider arrives with the series level at 1-1 after each side secured emphatic victories in the first two Tests at Durban and Gqeberha.

Simon is a talented sports writer in South Africa with a strong focus on cricket having played first-team level for UCT, including playing at two Universities Weeks.

From a young age Simon was an avid reader of cricket magazines and books, and went on to be Editor of The Googly, CricketScene SA and SA Cricket, in addition to being a Features Writer on SA Sports Illustrated.

He has interviewed most of South Africa's premier cricketers and was the first writer to interview a teenaged Jacques Kallis.

Simon has also written about English and local football, rugby and cricket, in addition to major international tennis and golf stars and competitions.

You can follow more from Simon at Muckrack, X and LinkedIn.