Dates set for England's three-Test tour to South Africa
📖 Full Retelling
England will face world champions South Africa in a three-Test series over Christmas and New Year before three ODIs in early 2027, but a proposed T20 series has been postponed.
South Africa, officially the Republic of South Africa (RSA), is the southernmost country in Africa. Its nine provinces are bounded to the south by 2,798 kilometres (1,739 miles) of coastline that stretches along the South Atlantic and Indian Ocean; to the north by the neighbouring countries of Namib...
England's Test tour to South Africa marks a clash with the world champions during the festive season, offering a high-profile contest that can influence rankings and player form. The series also sets the stage for England's preparation ahead of the 2027 World Cup co-hosted by South Africa.
Context & Background
England secured a 3-1 series win in their last 2019/20 tour to South Africa
The Test series is scheduled over Christmas and New Year, starting December 17 2026
A proposed T20 series was postponed due to conflicts with South Africa's SA20 league
What Happens Next
Following the Test series, England will play three ODIs beginning January 10 2027, before South Africa hosts the 2027 World Cup in October and November. The outcomes may shape team selections for future tours and impact ICC rankings.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Test series start?
The first Test begins on December 17 2026 at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg.
Why was the T20 series removed?
The T20 series was removed because of scheduling conflicts with South Africa's domestic SA20 league.
Original Source
England in South Africa: Dates confirmed for three-Test series against world champions over Christmas and New Year Monday 23 February 2026 13:50, UK England will face world champions South Africa in a three-Test series over Christmas and New Year before three ODIs in early 2027, but a proposed T20 series has been postponed. The Test series will commence on December 17 at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg before moving to Centurion for the second Test starting on Boxing Day at SuperSport Park. Cape Town will host the final Test at Newlands Cricket Ground from January 3, 2027. England secured a 3-1 series victory on their last Test tour to South Africa in 2019/20 as they came from 1-0 down in the four-match series. England start Super 8s with win as Sri Lanka implode England vs Sri Lanka - as it happened in Pallekele Stream the T20 World Cup without a contract Listen to the latest Sky Sports Cricket Podcast The 2026/27 Test series will be followed by three ODIs, starting on January 10 at Boland Park in Paarl, but the originally planned T20 series has been removed due to scheduling conflicts with South Africa's domestic T20 league the SA20. Australia to tour South Africa in October England's tour to South Africa will be preceded by Australia visiting for three Tests, starting on October 9 in Durban. It will be the first Test series in the country between the two nations since the infamous 2018 series when then captain Steve Smith admitted his side had used sandpaper to tamper with the ball. Latest Cricket Stories Ball-by-ball Ashes updates: England face Australia in final Test at SCG Hampshire become first county with overseas ownership after deal with Indian conglomerate Vitality Blast final: Somerset vs Gloucestershire live updates and video clips from Edgbaston England vs Australia: Liam Livingstone propels hosts to series-levelling T20I victory in Cardiff England vs Australia: Second T20I at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff - Commentary and video clips County Champio...
