Where to watch South Africa vs. Australia live stream, TV channel, start time and lineups for 1st Test

South Africa take on Australia in the first of a three-game series in Durban from Friday as the race to World Test Championship (WTC) final once again gets in focus.

In the current 2025-27 WTC rankings, Australia top the table followed by South Africa.

The upcoming series will add more spice to the battle considering the previous battles between the two nations.

Last year, South Africa won the WTC final against Australia by five wickets courtesy of the century bagged by Aiden Markram, marking their first ever WTC title.

The arrival of Australia back to South Africa brings back memories of the 2018 series that was marked by the Sandpapergate ball-tampering scandal.

South Africa and Australia have won four out of the last nine series played against each other with a draw in one of them. Therefore, the three-game series will be an important chance for both teams to make progress in their respective WTC races.

The Sporting News has all you need to know about South Africa vs. Australia 1st Test, including date, time, and how and where to watch it.

South Africa vs. Australia 1st Test live stream, TV channel

Here's how to watch South Africa vs. Australia 1st Test live in India:

TV channel: Eurosport TV Network

Live stream: FanCode

In India, the Eurosport TV Network will telecast the series, with live streaming available through FanCode app and website.

What time does South Africa vs. Australia 1st Test start?

The first Test between South Africa and Australia will be played at Kingsmead in Durban, South Africa.

Play is scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m. local time (SAST), which translates to 1:00 p.m. IST on Friday, October 9, for viewers in India.

South Africa vs. Australia 1st Test team news, lineups

South Africa have confirmed their XI for the first Test, with Anrich Nortje returning to Test cricket for the first time since March 2023. Kagiso Rabada misses out as he continues his recovery from injury.

The Proteas have opted for two frontline spinners in Keshav Maharaj and Simon Harmer, while Wiaan Mulder provides an additional all-round option.

South Africa confirmed XI: Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, David Bedingham, Temba Bavuma (c), Tristan Stubbs, Wiaan Mulder, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Marco Jansen, Simon Harmer, Keshav Maharaj, Anrich Nortje.

Australia will be without Cameron Green for the Durban Test after he sustained an abdominal strain during the ODI series. Wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis is also unavailable with a fractured finger.

With Green absent, Beau Webster is in contention for a place, although Australia had not confirmed their XI at the latest update.

Australia predicted XI: Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood.

South Africa vs. Australia Test schedule

Here's the schedule for the three-match Test series between South Africa and Australia:

South Africa vs. Australia 1st Test: Betting odds

Australia are the favourites to win the first Test match at 1.88 on Dafa, while the odds for South Africa to win are 1.93.

* Odds are correct at time of publish but subject to change.