Hollywoodbets Kingsmead set for Australia blockbusters

Cricket South Africa recently announced the Proteas men's schedule for the 2026/27 summer and Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium will host the Proteas against Australia for two block-buster international matches.

The Proteas will take on rivals Australia in a three-match ODI and three test match tour which will see Kingsmead host the first ODI and the first Test match of each series.

The tour begins on 24 September when South Africa and Australia lock horns in the first of three ODI's at Kingsmead. The second match will take place at the DP World Wanderers in Johannesburg and the final match is at the JB Marks Oval in Potchefstroom.

The visiting Australians will face our World Test Champions in the first Test of the series at Kingsmead from 9-13 October.

The previous meeting between the two sides in Durban in 2018 was full of drama and given how the Proteas beat Australia in the World Test Championship final in 2025, there is going to be a lot riding on the series.

The two teams have played out some epic matches at Kingsmead in both red and white ball cricket with the match-winning partnership between David Miller and Andile Phehlukwayo in 2016 being a shining light for Proteas supporters from an ODI perspective.

The Proteas chased down 372 to beat Australia on that night and that was the last time the two sides have met in an ODI at Kingsmead.

Kingsmead has been a difficult venue for the Proteas against Australia in Test cricket with a last win over them coming in 2002 when South Africa won by five wickets so 2026 provides the players and the fans with the perfect opportunity to watch South Africa beat Australia in Durban in a Test match for the first time in 24 years.

The Proteas are currently unbeaten in their last two Test matches at Kingsmead with convincing victories over Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

"To have a test match back at Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium is incredibly exciting for us and for Proteas fans in KZN," CEO of KZN Cricket Heinrich Strydom said. "To have a repeat of the ICC World Test Championship final is even more special and there will be so much riding on the match.

"To host the first test match of the summer is an honour and we look forward to welcoming the die-hard cricket fans back to Kingsmead for some exciting international cricket."

Strydom is equally excited for the ODI that will be coming to Durban against Australia.

"With the ICC Men's 50 Over World Cup coming to South Africa next year, the interest in 50 over cricket is going to be at an all-time high," Strydom added.

"We know what a powerhouse ODI team Australia is and we know it's going to be a fantastic 50 over match between two of the best teams in the world."