England confirm South Africa Test tour dates but T20 series postponed
England will face South Africa in a three-Test series over the 2026 Christmas period after dates were confirmed for the tour, though a planned T20 leg has been postponed.
The series is set to begin on 17 December at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg.
Centurion has been awarded the traditional Boxing Day Test, with play commencing at SuperSport Park on 26 December.
The red-ball leg of the tour will conclude with a New Year’s fixture at Newlands in Cape Town from 3 January 2027.
SA20 forces schedule change
Three one-day internationals will follow the Test matches, starting on 10 January at Boland Park in Paarl.
However, the originally proposed T20 series has been removed from the itinerary.
This decision was taken to avoid scheduling conflicts with the window for the SA20, South Africa’s premier domestic T20 competition.
England enjoyed success on their last red-ball visit to the country in the 2019-20 season.
The tourists recovered from a 1-0 deficit to secure a convincing 3-1 series victory.
A crowded calendar for the Proteas
The arrival of England will conclude a busy home summer for South Africa.
Australia are scheduled to visit for three Tests in October 2026, starting in Durban.
It marks the first Test series between the nations in South Africa since the controversial 2018 tour.
That series became infamous for the ball-tampering scandal in Cape Town involving then-captain Steve Smith.
Bangladesh will also tour the country in November for two Tests, three ODIs, and three T20s.
England’s 2026-27 Tour Schedule
Test Series
- 1st Test: Wanderers, Johannesburg (17-21 December)
- 2nd Test: SuperSport Park, Centurion (26-30 December)
- 3rd Test: Newlands, Cape Town (3-7 January)
ODI Series
- 1st ODI: Boland Park, Paarl (10 January)
- 2nd ODI: Manguang Oval, Bloemfontein (13 January)
- 3rd ODI: Manguang Oval, Bloemfontein (15 January)