Australia Predicted Playing XI vs South Africa, 1st Test | PC- AFPAustralia are set to take the biggest challenge in the longest format, as they will be on the South Africa shores for the first time since the Sandpaper Gate in 2018. After the ODI leg, the two powerhouses will be at loggerheads for the three-match Test series, starting with the Durban Test on October 9. In this article, we will analyse Australia's Playing XI vs South Africa for the 1st Test at Kingsmead, Durban, starting October 9. Top Order: Travis Head, Matt Renshaw, Marnus LabuschagneTravis Head scored just one century in 2026, in January against England at SCG. The attacking opener came under the pump during the Test matches vs Bangladesh, but he slammed a remarkable ton in the SA vs AUS ODIs. He will be a crucial part of Australia's Playing XI vs South Africa for 1st Test.Matt Renshaw is in purple form, having racked up 499 runs in the Sheffield Shield 2025-26. The performances in domestic cricket helped him get back into the Australian dressing room, and he is not leaving any stone unturned to be in the team. However, the three Tests will be crucial for the compact batter. There were talks regarding Marnus Labuschagne’s place in the AUS Playing XI vs SA, but the number three scored a rapid century in the warm-up game. He will surely start at Kingsmead. ALSO READCameron Green Ruled Out Of SA vs AUS 1st TestBatters & Middle Order: Steve Smith, Cooper Connolly, Beau Webster, Alex CareyThe AUS vs SA Tests will be a massive assignment for Steve Smith and Australia, as they will be in the country for a Test series for the first time since the infamous Sandpaper Gate. With David Warner retired and Cam Bancroft not picked, he will be the only conspirator playing in this series. Although he has achieved a lot since his ban, scoring runs in South Africa will be a massive tick box Smith would want to tick. With Cameron Green ruled out of the 1st Test, it is a toss-up between Nic Maddinson and Cooper Connolly for a spot in Australia's Playing XI vs South Africa for the 1st Test. As Connolly was part of the original Test squad, the rising star is expected to start. With Green missing, Beau Webster will need to step up as the lone pace-bowling all-rounder in the AUS Playing XI vs SA for the 1st Test. It is worth mentioning that he failed to leave any mark during the last assignment against Bangladesh, scoring just 17 runs and bagging no wickets. Alex Carey may have been miserably out of runs in Test cricket this year. Josh Inglis is ruled out of the series. Thus, the senior wicketkeeper would need to take the responsibility, as he will likely start ahead of Sam Harper. Bowlers: Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Matthew KuhnemannAfter missing all three ODI matches vs South Africa, skipper Pat Cummins would return to Australia's Playing XI vs South Africa for 1st Test. Among the big three, he holds the best numbers in the Tests in South Africa, picking 29 wickets in five matches at a strike rate of 54.6.Mitchell Starc has been in gun form since 2025, bowling with the red ball for Australia and taking 72 wickets in just 14 games. The left-arm seamer will be the most lethal weapon for the visitors on this tour. As is being touted, Durban is expected to offer spin in the SA vs AUS 1st Test. Thus, the visiting team could field both Nathan Lyon and Matthew Kuhnemann, especially at Kingsmead. Although it would be the first outing in South Africa for the left-arm spinner, Lyon has already scalped 28 wickets in 9 Tests in the country. Australia's Predicted Playing XI vs South Africa, 1st TestTravis Head, Matt Renshaw, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Cooper Connolly, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Matthew Kuhnemann.ALSO READTravis Head Reveals Ball Tampering Saga In Australian Domestic Cricket
