South Africa will face Australia in the second Test of their three-match series at St George’s Park in Gqeberha, starting on Sunday, October 18. The match also carries importance in the 2025–27 ICC World Test Championship (WTC).

The hosts suffered a 214-run defeat in the opening Test in Durban and must respond with a win to keep the series alive. Australia will look to build on their opening victory, while South Africa will aim to use home conditions to level the series.

South Africa have a strong record at St George’s Park. They will hope familiar conditions can help them recover, with Kagiso Rabada’s expected return providing a boost to their pace attack.

Australia will look to maintain their momentum after dominating the first Test with both bat and ball. Another strong performance could put the visitors within reach of a series win.

SA vs AUS Match Preview & Recent Form

South Africa struggled with the bat in Durban, managing 284 in their first innings before losing by 214 runs while chasing 421. David Bedingham showed resistance with scores of 49 and 46, while Aiden Markram scored 37 in the first innings and 75 in the second.

Kagiso Rabada is expected to return after missing the opener with a hamstring injury. He has taken 58 wickets in 11 Tests against Australia at an average of 21.39. Anrich Nortje and Marco Jansen will also play important roles in the pace attack.

Australia dominated the first Test, with Matt Renshaw scoring 190 in the first innings and 82 in the second. His contributions helped the visitors set South Africa a target of 421. Nic Maddinson scored 48 in the second innings after being dismissed for a 33-ball duck in the first innings.

Josh Hazlewood recorded his career-best figures of 6/49 in the fourth innings. Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc will look to maintain the pressure, while Nathan Lyon provides a spin option. Australia will aim to use the conditions at St George’s Park effectively and move closer to sealing the series.

SA vs AUS Live Streaming, Live Telecast: Where to Watch 2nd Test?

Cricket fans in India can watch the live television broadcast of the SA vs AUS second Test on the Eurosport network. The match will also be available for live streaming on the FanCode app and website.

Fans in South Africa can watch the match on SuperSport, while viewers in Australia can follow the action on Fox Cricket and Kayo Sports. The second Test at St George’s Park in Gqeberha will begin at 1:30 PM IST (10:00 AM local time) on Sunday, October 18.

SA vs AUS Pitch Report: How Will St George’s Park Play?

The pitch at St George’s Park in Gqeberha usually offers a balanced contest between bat and ball. It provides good pace and bounce early in the match, giving batters a chance to build their innings. The venue has an average first-innings score of 313 runs.

As the match progresses, the surface tends to slow down and wear. Since 2020, St George’s Park has become one of South Africa’s most spin-friendly Test venues. However, it is the first Test at the ground scheduled between mid-April and mid-November.

Run-scoring has typically fallen in the third and fourth innings, with average scores of 217 and 159, respectively. Teams may prefer to bat while conditions are at their best. The venue has seen 15 wins for teams batting first and 13 for teams bowling first.

St George’s Park Test Stats

• Total Matches: 33

• Won Batting First: 15

• Won Bowling First: 13

• Average 1st Innings Score: 313

• Average 2nd Innings Score: 238

• Average 3rd Innings Score: 217

• Average 4th Innings Score: 159

• Highest Team Total: 549/7 declared (Australia vs South Africa)

• Lowest Team Total: 30 (South Africa vs England)

• Highest Score Chased: 271/8 (Australia vs South Africa)

• Lowest Score Defended: 130 (England vs South Africa)

• Highest Individual Score: 196 (Herschelle Gibbs vs India, 2001)

• Best Bowling in an Innings: 8/7 (George Lohmann vs South Africa, 1896)

SA vs AUS Weather Forecast & Rain Threat at St George’s Park

Temperatures are expected to range between 14°C and 20°C on Sunday, October 18, with winds adding to the challenge for both teams. Rain could interrupt play on the opening day, with AccuWeather forecasting a possible morning thunderstorm and a 55% chance of precipitation.

Showers are also possible on Monday, raising the risk of further delays. Conditions are expected to improve from Tuesday, although the forecast may change as the match approaches.

SA vs AUS Team News & Squad Updates

South Africa have dropped Tristan Stubbs from their 17-player squad after he scored 32 and 1 in the first Test in Durban. Matthew Breetzke has joined the squad as his replacement.

Kagiso Rabada is also set to return after recovering from the hamstring injury that ruled him out of the series opener. However, Aiden Markram’s availability remains uncertain after he missed the two training sessions before the match.

Australia are monitoring Cameron Green’s recovery from an abdominal strain ahead of the second Test. Wicketkeeper Josh Inglis has also returned to the squad after recovering from a broken finger. His fitness will be assessed before the team confirms its final XI.

SA vs AUS Predicted Playing 11 Today

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

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

SA vs AUS Key Player Battles to Watch

Steve Smith vs Kagiso Rabada:

Steve Smith will look to anchor Australia’s middle order. Kagiso Rabada will aim to exploit any movement off the pitch and challenge Smith early before the batter settles at the crease.

Matt Renshaw vs Anrich Nortje:

Matt Renshaw starred in the first Test with a 190-run innings. Anrich Nortje will look to counter him with pace and short-pitched deliveries, testing Renshaw’s footwork.

Aiden Markram vs Josh Hazlewood:

Aiden Markram scored 75 in the second innings in Durban, showing resistance against Australia’s attack. Josh Hazlewood will look to trouble Markram with a consistent line and length, particularly outside off stump.

SA vs AUS Key Players to Watch

• South Africa: Kagiso Rabada, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder

• Australia: Matt Renshaw, Josh Hazlewood, Steve Smith