Three consecutive Test victories jumps off the page for South Africa as they prepare to host Australia in the 1st Test at Kingsmead, Durban. Starting at 6:30 pm AEDT on Friday, 9 October, this contest sets up a red-ball battle between two heavyweights. If you are following international red-ball cricket or looking for ashes tips during the summer, this series opener provides high-quality action right out of the gate.
Who Will Win The 1st Test?
The numbers say South Africa carry incredible momentum into this contest. The Proteas are coming off a massive victory against India on 22 November, posting 489 and 260/5 declared before bowling out their opponents for 201 and 140. That result marked three straight wins across their last four starts, having also defeated India on 14 November and Pakistan on 20 October. Their only setback in that stretch was a loss to Pakistan on 12 October.
Australia also arrive in Durban on the back of a last-start win, having dismantled Bangladesh on 22 August with a first-innings total of 210 against 64 and 95. Across their past five starts overall, Australia hold a three-win, two-loss record that includes victories over England on 4 January and 17 December, alongside a loss on 26 December.
With both sides coming off last-start victories, the head-to-head market is tightly contested. Australia are posted at 2.05 to claim victory away from home, while South Africa sit at 2.10, and the draw is available at 8.00. Given South Africa's impressive form of three wins from their last four starts, the host nation rates a real chance to defend home turf at Kingsmead.
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