EXCLUSIVE: Cricket’s greatest rivalry? Graeme Smith previews Australia series

As South Africans catch their breath after an epic four-Test series between the Springboks and the All Blacks, the next question shifts into focus: Is cricket’s greatest rivalry between the Proteas and Australia?

That could well be the case as Australia prepare to tour South Africa later this month for three ODIs and three Test matches.

the Proteas beat Australia in the World Test Championship (WTC) final in June last year, and now the Aussies will be out for revenge on SA soil.

While the ODIs begin on September 24, the real focus will be on the Test series which starts October 9. Both series will begin in Durban.

Smith anticipates thrilling Australia vs South Africa Test series with high stakes and rich history

“Look, I think there are so many storylines over the years between the two nations. Certainly, when I was a teenager and into my early twenties, that great Australian team dominated,” said Smith in an exclusive interview with IOL.

“But over the last while, South African cricket has certainly earned its stripes—winning in Australia three or four times and getting one over on them, like Temba [Bavuma] and the team winning the World Test Championship final. That was a great few days there.”

It will be the first time Australia return to South Africa since the infamous Sandpapergate controversy, but Smith notes clashes between the two nations are always spicy.

“I think it’s shaping up to be a huge series—always competitive, always interesting storylines, and some high-quality cricketers on show. For us, it’s going to be great to have a Test series in South Africa with both Australia and England where the fans can really get behind it, get some gees going, and watch some competitive Test cricket.”

@MichaelSherman

IOL Sport