'There's always spice between South Africa and Australia' - Shukri Conrad ahead of high-voltage Test series

South Africa coach Shukri Conrad has expressed enthusiasm ahead of the upcoming three-Test series against Australia, which begins in October 2026. The series marks Australia's first red-ball tour to South Africa since 2018 and comes at a critical juncture in the World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle, with both teams separated by just five percentage points in the standings.

Conrad spoke about the forthcoming contest between the two sides. South Africa currently sit second in the WTC 2025-27 table with a 75 per cent points percentage, while Australia occupy the top spot with an 80 per cent points percentage from eight wins in 10 games.

"Any series against Australia is worth looking forward to, and more particularly because it's at home," Conrad told the ICC.

The 2025 WTC Final context and lessons learned

The South African coach highlighted the historical rivalry between the two nations and the added context of their recent World Test Championship Final encounter. South Africa defeated Australia by five wickets in the 2025 WTC Final at Lord's, with Aiden Markram scoring 136 and Kagiso Rabada taking nine wickets in that match. Conrad emphasised how that victory has shaped his team's approach to the upcoming series.

"I think there's always spice between South Africa and Australia . Maybe not as spicy as in years gone by, but I think the fact that we put one over them in the (World Test Championship) final last year might add a little bit of spice to what should be a really exciting and spicy series," Conrad said.

"We respect them for the champion side that they are. I think we exposed one or two vulnerabilities in their lineup last year that I think we can build on. We also know that they've got a world-class bowling attack and we certainly have the belief that when we play to our true potential we could find ways of nullifying that. So loads of learnings," he added.

The three-Test series presents a unique challenge for South Africa in its format and duration. The first Test is scheduled for October 9-13, 2026 at Kingsmead in Durban, followed by the second Test at St George's Park in Gqeberha from October 18-22, 2026. The third and final Test will take place at Newlands in Cape Town from October 27-31, 2026.

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Conrad admitted that it will be a challenge for his team, as they will be playing a three-match Test series after a long time. The Proteas have mostly played Test series involving two matches. However, he believes that if Temba Bavuma and Co. play to their full potential, they can get the better of Australia.

"A three-match series is a lot different to a one-off test. It's our first three-match series in I don't know how long. We are accustomed to playing two-match series. So this is going to make it a real test for us. I think from all the learnings that we have taken from the final and the victory over them, it certainly gives us a belief that when we play to our potential, then we can certainly put one over them," Conrad said.