The three Tests are in Johannesburg (starting December 17), Pretoria (Boxing Day) and Cape Town (January 3), where about 10,000 England fans are expecting to flock for their first Test at the iconic Newlands under Table Mountain since just before the pandemic, in early 2020. The series will be new England head coach Stephen Fleming’s first in charge.
Sky could be wary of a long-term deal with CSA because of the varied amount of cricket they play each summer. South Africa won the 2025 World Test Championship at Lord’s, but then did not play a single home Test the following summer. This summer, they play eight Tests (three vs Australia, two v Bangladesh and three vs England) providing much better value for broadcasters.
England are due on five different tours to four countries this winter, but many of the broadcast arrangements are still to be made. England head to Pakistan in October for a one-day international tri-series also involving Sri Lanka, then to Australia for three ODIs and five T20s. Then come three Tests and three ODIs in South Africa, before two Tests in Bangladesh. The winter is rounded off by the one-off pink-ball Test in Melbourne to celebrate 150 years of the longest format.
TNT’s one-year deal to show cricket in Australia has expired. Dazn entered the market to broadcast last month’s Test series against Bangladesh, which could signal its readiness to take on the white-ball tour in November and the one-off Test.
The BBC’s Test Match Special has the radio rights for the trip to Pakistan and both Australia legs, and Talksport will broadcast the South Africa tour. Where the TV or radio rights for Bangladesh go is unclear.
