England in South Africa 2026–27: Test dates, venues and squad changes
WicketPulse ·
England’s three-Test tour starts in Johannesburg on 17 December 2026 and finishes with the Cape Town Test in January 2027. Here are the schedule and selection changes confirmed in the ICC’s 9 November announcement.
What are the Test dates and venues?
The first Test is scheduled for 17–21 December in Johannesburg. The Boxing Day Test runs from 26–30 December in Centurion. The third Test is on 3–7 January 2027 in Cape Town. The January fixture belongs to the new calendar year, even though the tour begins in December. The announcement does not provide daily start times.
What has changed in England’s squad?
Jacob Bethell returns after a knee injury, having been absent from competitive cricket since July 2026. Uncapped left-arm spinner Liam Patterson-White is selected in place of Shoaib Bashir. Ollie Pope, who was in the squad for the Pakistan series, is not included. Selection in the touring party is not a confirmed Test debut or starting XI.
Who is in the 15-player squad?
Joe Root is captain. The other players are Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Sonny Baker, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Sam Cook, Jordan Cox, Ben Duckett, Emilio Gay, Dan Lawrence, Liam Patterson-White, Ollie Robinson, Jamie Smith and Josh Tongue. Check the official match announcement for the XI and wicketkeeping allocation before each Test.
Where does this tour fit in the calendar?
England travel to South Africa after their limited-overs visit to Australia. The three Tests count towards the 2025–27 World Test Championship. A squad announcement and a fixture schedule are confirmed planning information; predictions about the series result or final qualification are separate questions.
What should travelling fans check next?
Match dates alone are not enough for travel planning. Recheck the official fixture listing for start times, ground information and ticket conditions before making arrangements. This guide records the announced schedule and squad as checked on 10 November and does not claim a broadcaster or playing XI has been confirmed.