South Africa, Australia and five takeaways for England from an epic series

Australia face questions after defeat

Cummins went more than 62 overs without a wicket across parts of the first and third Tests. His bowling average for the series was 53.66, and his decision to bowl first in Cape Town was followed by an aggressive start from South Africa’s openers.

Spin could test South Africa

England have not selected a frontline spinner since Joe Root returned as Test captain, instead opting for four pace bowlers. In Cape Town, Simon Harmer took 10-120 as South Africa won, aided by footholes created by left-arm bowlers Mitchell Starc and Marco Jansen.

Starc will not face England, but Jansen could. England must weigh options including Shoaib Bashir, Jack Leach, Mason Crane and Liam Patterson-White. South Africa’s captain Temba Bavuma has averaged 21.37 against spin since the start of 2025, including 15.00 against off-spin.

England must handle the short ball

South Africa’s success with the short ball adds another concern for England. Over the past four years, only West Indies and Afghanistan have averaged less well against short deliveries in Tests.

South Africa also have a formidable bowling group, including Harmer, Jansen and Kagiso Rabada, with Wiaan Mulder in support. England may need a spinner to probe South Africa’s weakness against spin while also preparing for the pace attack.

Lower-order runs proved decisive

South Africa’s lower order made substantial contributions during the series. They scored 315 in the second Test over the same period, then added 206 for the final five wickets in the third Test’s second innings, helping secure the match and series.

Once the ball was more than 40 overs old, wickets fell every 60 balls in this series, compared with every 37 balls during England’s series against New Zealand earlier in the summer. The figures underline how lower-order batters can extend an innings and support the top order.

Renshaw offers Australia an option

Matt Renshaw was one of Australia’s positives in defeat and may earn a longer run at the top of the order. Marnus Labuschagne has gone 49 Test innings without a century and looks likely to lose his place.

Renshaw was born in Yorkshire but has never played against England. He averages 42.69 in first-class County Championship cricket. Australia are due to meet England in a one-off 150th anniversary Test in Melbourne in March, before next summer’s Ashes.