South Africa face Australia in the first Test at Kingsmead in Durban starting Friday, October 9. It is Australia’s first tour of South Africa since the 2018 Sandpapergate scandal.

That series ended with Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft banned for ball-tampering. The scars from that tour still shape how the two teams view each other.

South Africa are the defending World Test Championship winners, having beaten Australia in the final at Lord’s last year. The hosts will start as slight favourites at home.

Spinner Simon Harmer said T20 cricket has softened rivalries, but Australia remain fiercely competitive. He expects a hard-fought series.

The three Tests will be played at Kingsmead, St George’s Park and Newlands, with the final Test starting on October 27.

Australia will be looking for revenge after losing the World Test Championship final. The series is expected to draw big crowds at all three venues.