In August and September, South Africa will welcome Australia to kick off their 2023-24 home season with three T20Is and five ODIs, as confirmed by a Cricket South Africa release.
Each of the three T20Is will take place at Kingsmead Stadium in Durban on August 30, September 1, and September 3.
The SA vs AUS ODI series will start on September 7 at Bloemfontein’s Mangaung Oval. The first two ODIs will be played at the venue, and then one each will be played in Potchefstroom, Centurion, and Johannesburg.
This series holds significant importance for both teams as it serves as a preparation for the 2023 ODI World Cup, which will be hosted in India in October-November.
It will also mark the beginning of Australia’s journey towards the 2024 T20 World Cup, with the team yet to announce their new T20 captain after Aaron Finch’s retirement from international cricket in 2022.
South Africa has dominated their recent ODIs against Australia, winning 11 out of the last 12 matches, including a win at the 2019 ODI World Cup and two series whitewashes. However, Australia will look to overturn their dismal record in South Africa, with their last ODI win in the country dating back to 2011.
Both teams come into this series with some momentum. Australia recently defeated India 2-1 in an away three-match ODI series, while South Africa secured a crucial series win over the Netherlands to boost their chances of automatic World Cup qualification.
The Temba Bavuma-led side currently sit in eighth place in the standings with 98 points, and their qualification hopes depend on the upcoming series between Ireland and Bangladesh.
Australia tour of South Africa full schedule
T20Is
August 30: First T20I, Durban
September 1: Second T20I, Durban
September 3: Third T20I, Durban
ODIs
September 7: First ODI, Bloemfontein
September 9: Second ODI, Bloemfontein
September 12: Third ODI, Potchefstroom
September 15: Fourth ODI, Centurion
September 17: Fifth ODI, Johannesburg
We will challenge the best in the world
“It is the start of the international season for us and it is a particularly important campaign in many respects because of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup,” Cricket South Africa CEO Pholetsi Moseki said.
“We haven’t qualified just yet, but we hope to be there and challenge the best in the world when the tournament is played in October and November,” he added.
“Games and tours like these against a formidable Australia side can only do good for our Proteas Men. It is also an opportunity for coach Rob Walter and his team to keep building on the excellent work they have already done so far together,” he concluded.
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