Australia Sets Record with Oldest Test XI Against South Africa

In the first Test match against South Africa held in Durban on October 9, 2026, Australia made history by fielding the oldest playing XI in their men's Test cricket history. All 11 players were aged 30 or older, marking the first time in 149 years that an Australian men's Test team did not feature a player in his 20s.

Captain Pat Cummins opted to bat after winning the toss, with the team's average age reaching 34.59 years. Nathan Lyon, at 38, was the oldest player, while Matt Renshaw, aged 30, was the youngest. The lineup included five players aged 35 or older, including Steve Smith and Mitchell Starc. Nic Maddinson, recalled for the match, was playing his first Test since December 2016.

Despite the absence of South Africa's key bowler Kagiso Rabada, the home team's pace attack effectively restricted Australia to 187 runs for six wickets before play was halted due to bad light and rain. Australia’s innings featured contributions from Marnus Labuschagne and Smith, who formed a partnership of 60 runs for the third wicket.