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Watch South Africa vs England cricket test rivalry through the years
Watch South Africa vs England Cricket Test Rivalry Through the Years
Test cricket between South Africa and England is more than just a series of five-day matches. It’s a historical contest shaped by colonial roots, political tension, remarkable performances, and fierce competition. Dating back to the late 19th century, the red-ball battles between these two proud cricketing nations have delivered unforgettable moments that shaped international cricket.
In this article, we revisit the key phases of the South Africa vs England Test rivalry, reflect on legendary players, examine recent series, and preview what lies ahead for both teams.
Origins of a Great Rivalry
The Test rivalry between England and South Africa began in 1889, when the two sides played their first official match in Port Elizabeth. England won that match convincingly, but it marked the beginning of South Africa’s journey into international cricket.
In the early decades, England dominated the head-to-head record. However, as South African cricket developed through the 20th century—thanks to players like Graeme Pollock and Barry Richards—the contests became far more competitive.
Political Pause and Comeback watch England vs South Africa
From 1970 to 1991, South Africa was banned from international cricket due to apartheid, which temporarily halted the rivalry. When they were readmitted in 1991, one of their earliest high-profile series was a return tour to England in 1994, led by Kepler Wessels.
It was a tense and closely fought affair, ending in a 1–1 draw, and it symbolized South Africa’s re-entry into elite cricket.
[INTERNAL LINK HERE] – Discover how post-apartheid cricket shaped South African identity
Legendary Series and Iconic Moments
Over the years, several Test series between South Africa and England have stood out for their intensity, drama, and individual brilliance.
1998-99: The Donald vs Atherton Duel
One of the most famous passages in Test history came at Trent Bridge in 1998, when Allan Donald and Michael Atherton battled in a fiery spell of fast bowling. Atherton’s gritty 98* under immense pressure remains one of England’s greatest knocks.
The five-match series ended in a 2–1 win for England, but Donald’s fiery spells became the stuff of legend.
2003-04:watch England’s Stunning Comeback
In 2004, under Michael Vaughan’s captaincy, England came from behind to win the series 2–1 in South Africa, a rare feat. Key contributions from Andrew Flintoff and Matthew Hoggard turned the tide in England’s favour.
2008-09: Graeme Smith’s Masterclass
In the 2008–09 tour of England, Graeme Smith led his side to a historic series win on English soil. His 154 at Edgbaston*, while chasing a challenging total, is widely regarded as one of the greatest captain’s innings in Test history.
South Africa won the series 2–1, dethroning England at home—a rare achievement.
[INTERNAL LINK HERE] – Read our tribute to Graeme Smith’s top Test innings
Recent Encounters: The Bazball Era Begins watch England vs South Africa
The 2022 series between England and South Africa was especially significant as it was part of the early stages of England’s “Bazball” approach under coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes.
2022 Series Summary:
- 1st Test at Lord’s: South Africa dominated, winning by an innings and 12 runs. Kagiso Rabada starred with 5 wickets.
- 2nd Test at Old Trafford: England bounced back with an innings win of their own. Ben Stokes scored a crucial century.
- 3rd Test at The Oval: England clinched the series 2–1 with another emphatic victory, showing the effectiveness of their aggressive red-ball style.
This series was a battle of contrasts—South Africa’s traditional approach vs England’s bold, attacking mindset. England’s victory announced the arrival of a new philosophy in Test cricket.
Head-to-Head Test Record (As of 2025)
- Matches Played: 158
- England Wins: 66
- South Africa Wins: 35
- Draws: 57
While England leads the overall record, recent decades have seen South Africa level the playing field, particularly with their away performances in England.
👉 External Source: Full Test stats and match list
Players Who Defined the Rivalry watch England
South African Icons:
- Jacques Kallis – Over 2000 runs vs England with bat and key wickets
- Allan Donald – Known for his epic spells against England in the 90s
- Graeme Smith – As captain, won two series in England
- Kagiso Rabada – Continues to trouble England’s top order with pace and control
English Greats:
- James Anderson – Over 100 wickets against South Africa
- Alastair Cook – Several big hundreds in both home and away series
- Joe Root – Consistently among the runs against the Proteas
- Ben Stokes – His 2022 performances turned the series
The Future of the Rivalry watch England vs South Africa
Looking ahead, South Africa and England are expected to meet again in a five-match Test series in 2026, to be held in South Africa. This will be a pivotal part of the World Test Championship cycle, adding extra significance to every match.
Key areas to watch:
- Can England’s Bazball succeed in the pace-friendly conditions of Johannesburg and Centurion?
- Will South Africa’s next-gen talents like Marco Jansen, Keegan Petersen, and Gerald Coetzee step up?
- Can veteran players like Root and Rabada still dominate?
[INTERNAL LINK HERE] – See our preview of the 2026 South Africa vs England Test series
Cultural and Fan Perspective watch England
The mutual respect between the two nations is one of the hallmarks of this rivalry. South Africa’s passionate fanbase and England’s cricket traditions make every tour a cultural event. Stadiums like Newlands, The Oval, and Wanderers carry history, and each match is more than just cricket—it’s a narrative of legacy, identity, and pride.
Final Thoughts
The South Africa vs England Test rivalry is one of the pillars of international cricket. Built on 135 years of battles, it combines tradition with modern innovation, fiery pace attacks with graceful batting, and tactical depth with raw emotion.
As both nations evolve their cricketing philosophies, future encounters promise not only top-tier cricket but also a continuation of one of the most respected rivalries in the sport.
Whether it’s the ashes of Lord’s or the bounce of the Highveld, when South Africa and England meet in Test cricket, the world watches.
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