The cricket rivalry between the South Africa National Cricket Team and the England Cricket Team is one of the oldest and most intense in the sport’s history. From their very first Test match in 1888 to the latest ICC Test Championship final performances, the South Africa National Cricket Team vs England Cricket Team timeline has been filled with drama, skill, and unforgettable moments. The rivalry has not only survived political tension and sporting bans but has grown into one of the most respected and thrilling encounters in world cricket.
In this article, we’ll look at the timeline of their major matchups, legendary moments, and what makes the South Africa vs England cricket saga truly iconic.
2025 ICC World Test Championship Victory
South Africa scripted history by winning the 2025 ICC World Test Championship Final at Lord’s in June, beating Australia by five wickets. It was their first ICC trophy since the 1998 Champions Trophy.
This monumental win has now set the stage for their England tour later in 2025, where they’ll look to carry forward their momentum and continue dominating in red-ball cricket.
Key Highlights:
- Aiden Markram: Scored a match-winning century in the final.
- Kagiso Rabada & Anrich Nortje: Shared 12 wickets across both innings.
- Victory Margin: South Africa won by 5 wickets at Lord’s.
- Historical Context: First ICC Trophy for South Africa in 27 years.
South Africa National Cricket Team vs England Cricket Team Timeline: Upcoming Fixtures & Series Schedule
The cricketing rivalry between South Africa and England is set to intensify over the next two years with two highly anticipated series. These fixtures will span multiple formats and play a crucial role in shaping both teams’ progress in the World Test Championship and ICC white-ball tournaments.
| Date | Format | Host Nation | Venues | Status |
| Sept 2025 | 3 ODIs, 3 T20Is | England | Lord | Scheduled |
| Dec 2026 – Feb 2027 | 3 Tests, 3 ODIs, 3 T20Is | South Africa | Centurion | Scheduled |
South Africa National Cricket Team
After their WTC victory, the South African team has gained immense confidence. Here is their likely core squad going into the upcoming England clashes:
- Temba Bavuma (Captain)
- Aiden Markram
- Heinrich Klaasen (Wicketkeeper)
- Kagiso Rabada
- Anrich Nortje
- Marco Jansen
- Gerald Coetzee
- Rassie van der Dussen
- Keshav Maharaj
- Lungi Ngidi
- Tony de Zorzi
England Cricket Team
England, under the leadership of Ben Stokes, is also building towards the future while retaining some core players who bring consistency.
- Ben Stokes (Captain)
- Joe Root
- Zak Crawley
- Harry Brook
- Ollie Pope
- Jonny Bairstow (Wicketkeeper)
- Rehan Ahmed
- Mark Wood
- James Anderson
- Gus Atkinson
- Ollie Robinson
Iconic Test Battles in the South Africa National Cricket Team vs England Cricket Team Timeline
The rivalry between South Africa and England has delivered some unforgettable Test matches that have defined eras and careers. These iconic battles reflect not just the competitiveness but the drama and intensity that make this matchup so revered in cricket history.
- 2003 – Graeme Smith’s Dominance in England
On his first tour as captain, Graeme Smith stunned England with back-to-back double centuries—277 at Edgbaston and 259 at Lord’s. His fearless batting led South Africa to a drawn series and solidified his leadership credentials at just 22 years old.
- 2008 – South Africa’s Historic Series Win in England
South Africa clinched a rare series victory in England after 43 years, winning 2–1. The highlight was a remarkable chase at Headingley, where Ashwell Prince and Graeme Smith led from the front, and Makhaya Ntini dismantled the English batting.
- 2012 – Amla’s Triple Century at The Oval
Hashim Amla made history with South Africa’s first-ever triple century in Tests—311 not out at The Oval. Alongside Jacques Kallis and Graeme Smith, his innings powered South Africa to a series win and helped them claim the No.1 Test ranking.
- 2016 – Broad’s Match-Winning Spell in Johannesburg
In a must-win match, Stuart Broad produced one of the finest spells in modern Test cricket—6 for 17—to dismantle South Africa at the Wanderers. The win sealed the series 2–1 in England’s favor.
- 2019–20 – England’s Comeback in South Africa
After losing the first Test, England roared back to win the four-match series 3–1. Dom Sibley, Ben Stokes, and Mark Wood were standout performers as England asserted dominance in hostile conditions.
These matches continue to shape the legacy of the South Africa vs England timeline—where resilience, skill, and national pride always collide on the biggest stages.
Wrapping Up
The South Africa National Cricket Team vs England Cricket Team timeline continues to evolve with every gripping contest, each series adding new memories to an already rich history. From historic wins and iconic individual performances to modern-day championship battles, this rivalry represents the best of Test cricket. With South Africa’s recent World Test Championship triumph and upcoming bilateral series on the calendar, fans can expect more unforgettable moments ahead. As both teams gear up for future clashes, their encounters will remain a highlight of the global cricket landscape, keeping the legacy of this fierce rivalry alive for generations to come.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Who won the latest Test match between South Africa and England?
As of June 2025, the two teams haven’t faced each other in a Test since 2022. Their next Test series is scheduled for December 2026 in South Africa.
Q2. What was South Africa’s biggest achievement in 2025?
South Africa won the World Test Championship Final 2025, defeating Australia by 5 wickets at Lord’s—marking their first ICC trophy since 1998.
Q3. What is the Basil D’Oliveira Trophy?
It is awarded to the winner of the Test series between England and South Africa, named after Basil D’Oliveira a symbol of cricket’s stand against apartheid.
Q4. When is the next South Africa vs England series?
The teams will meet in September 2025 for a white-ball series in England, followed by a full-format series in South Africa from December 2026 to February 2027.
Q5. Why is the South Africa National Cricket Team vs England Cricket Team timeline considered historic?
Because it spans over a century, includes political significance, iconic performances, and now features World Test Championship implications, making it one of cricket’s most enduring rivalries.