CSA announces blockbuster home season for 2026-27; Australia and England will visit South Africa

Cricket South Africa (CSA) have announced what can only be described as a defining home season for 2026-27 – a schedule packed with heavyweight opponents, iconic venues and the promise of high-octane Test cricket. After facing criticism for a lean home red ball calendar in 2025-26, the CSA hit back strongly.

High profile teams will tour South Africa

Eight home Tests, multiple white-ball series and three major cricketing nations – AustraliaBangladesh and England — will tour South Africa in a summer that feels like a throwback to the country’s golden Test heyday. More importantly, this season carries an emotional charge. South Africa enters it as a ruler World Test ChampionsLord’s lifted the mace last year and now faces the challenge of defending that crown on home soil.

Return of Australians to the Rainbow Nation

The initial focus falls on Australia, whose return to South African shores will bring back memories of intense contests and dramatic seasons. It will be the first Test series in the country since the explosive 2018 tour – and tensions have only deepened since South Africa defeated Australia in the 2025 World Test Championship Final.

The tour kicks off with three ODIs at the end of September, including the much-loved Pink Day fixture at the Wanderers – an event that combines cricket with social awareness and often attracts a sea of ​​pink-clad supporters.

Red ball foot promises to be even more attractive. Three Tests will be held at coastal venues – Durban, Qgeberha and Cape Town – in settings known for pace, bounce and vociferous crowds. For the Proteas, this streak is personal. For Australia, it’s about procurement. For neutrals, this is unmissable theater.

Bangladesh all format challenge

As November rolls around, attention turns to Bangladesh, who embark on a demanding all-format tour. The two test series in Johannesburg and Centurion will be crucial for South Africa’s WTC campaign, especially in the pace-friendly conditions that traditionally test the visitors.

But this round goes beyond the red ball. Three ODIs in East London, Qgeberha and Cape Town will offer Bangladesh an opportunity to showcase their white-ball evolution, while the T20I leg takes international cricket to Kimberley and Benoni – a refreshing move that takes the game outside its traditional capital centres. For CSA, it’s about inclusivity and coverage. For Bangladesh, it speaks of growth and resilience. For South Africa, it’s about maintaining dominance at home.

Also READ: Fans go wild as South Africa thrash India in Super 8 clash at T20 World Cup 2026

England’s festive arrival promises packed stadiums

The heartbeat of the South African summer has long belonged to England’s festive tours – and 2026-27 will be no different. England arrive in mid-December for a three-Test series that combines tradition with anticipation.

The Boxing Day Test in Centurion and the New Year’s Test in Cape Town remain hallowed fixtures in the cricket calendar. Few experiences match the atmosphere of a packed SuperSport Park on December 26, or the postcard backdrop of Newlands as New Year’s Eve dawns.

Interestingly, the CSA postponed the scheduled T20I series to avoid clashing with the SA20 league window. Instead, the tour ends with three ODIs in Paarl and Bloemfontein – valuable preparation ahead of the 2027 Cricket World Cup.

Australia’s tour of South Africa (Fixture)

Bangladesh Tour of South Africa (Fix)

England Tour of South Africa (Fix)

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