Introduction
Few rivalries in world cricket burn as fiercely or span as many decades as the contest between the South Africa national cricket team and the England cricket team. From a dusty pitch in Port Elizabeth in 1889 to sold-out stadiums in Johannesburg and Lord’s in 2026, this fixture has produced legendary duels, political upheaval, and unforgettable sporting drama. The south africa national cricket team vs england cricket team timeline stretches across more than 135 years, making it one of the oldest continuous rivalries in Test cricket history.
In this comprehensive guide, we trace every major chapter of this storied rivalry. You will discover the early colonial-era matches, the golden age of the 1930s, the dark decades of apartheid isolation, the triumphant readmission in 1992, and the modern-era battles featuring superstars like Ben Stokes, Kagiso Rabada, Joe Root, and Quinton de Kock. Whether you are a lifelong fan or a newcomer to cricket history, this south africa national cricket team vs england cricket team timeline delivers every fact, stat, and story you need — fully updated through 2026.
South Africa National Cricket Team vs England Cricket Team Timeline:
The rivalry between South Africa and England is not merely a sporting contest; it is a mirror reflecting colonial history, racial politics, and the evolution of international cricket itself. England, as the birthplace of cricket, carried the game to its colonies in the 19th century. South Africa, rich in talent and competitive spirit, quickly became one of England’s toughest opponents.
The first-ever Test match between the two nations took place in March 1889 at St George’s Park, Port Elizabeth. England won comfortably, but the seed of a great rivalry was planted. Over the next century, the fixture grew in intensity, prestige, and significance.
What makes this rivalry unique is the 21-year gap (1970–1991) when South Africa was banned from international cricket due to the apartheid regime’s racial segregation policies. When the Proteas returned in 1992, the rivalry resumed with renewed passion and a global audience hungry to see South Africa compete again.
Today, the south africa national cricket team vs england cricket team timeline encompasses over 156 Test matches, more than 70 ODIs, and over 25 T20 Internationals, making it one of the most-played bilateral rivalries in the sport.
Early Era: 1889–1950
The Birth of a Rivalry (1889–1906)
The story begins on 12 March 1889, when England, led by Sir Tim O’Brien, faced a South African XI at St George’s Park, Port Elizabeth. England won by 8 wickets in a low-scoring affair. The second Test in Cape Town followed shortly after, with England completing a 2–0 series sweep.
South Africa’s early teams were largely amateur, and England dominated the first two decades. However, the emergence of players like Bert Vogler, Reggie Schwarz, and Aubrey Faulkner gave South Africa its first genuine weapons.
First Tours and Growing Competitiveness (1907–1930)
South Africa’s first official tour of England came in 1907. Though they lost the series, the tour established the fixture as a regular event. The 1912 Triangular Tournament in England, featuring England, Australia, and South Africa, marked the first multi-nation Test event.
The 1920s saw South Africa improve steadily. The 1924 series in England ended in a 3–0 England victory, but the 1929 tour of England saw South Africa draw the series 1–1, a significant step forward.
South Africa’s First Series Win on English Soil (1935)
The watershed moment arrived in 1935 when South Africa, captained by Jock Cameron, won a Test series in England for the first time. The victory at Headingley, powered by the bowling of Xen Balaskas and the batting of Bruce Mitchell, sent shockwaves through the cricketing world. This series remains one of the most celebrated in the south africa national cricket team vs england cricket team timeline.
Post-War Resumption (1947–1950)
After World War II interrupted international cricket, the rivalry resumed in 1947 when England toured South Africa. Denis Compton and Len Hutton starred for England, while South Africa’s Dudley Nourse provided heroic resistance. The series ended 0–0 with all five Tests drawn, a testament to the competitive balance.
Mid Era: 1951–1991
Competitive Battles (1951–1965)
The 1950s produced some of the finest cricket between the two nations. The 1951 series in England saw South Africa win 3–1, with Jackie McGlew and Russell Endean leading the charge. The 1955 series in England was another classic, drawn 2–2.
The 1960 tour of England featured the legendary Peter May captaining England against a South African side led by Jackie McGlew. England won 3–0, but South African fast bowler Neil Adcock terrorized English batsmen.
The final series before the ban came in 1965, when England toured South Africa. England won 3–1, but the political storm clouds were gathering.
The Apartheid Ban: 1970–1991
In 1970, the International Cricket Conference (ICC) imposed an indefinite ban on South Africa from international cricket due to the apartheid government’s racial segregation policies. This meant the south africa national cricket team vs england cricket team timeline was effectively frozen for 21 years.
During this period:
- South Africa missed the first three Cricket World Cups (1975, 1979, 1983)
- Generations of talented players like Graeme Pollock, Barry Richards, and Mike Procter were denied Test cricket
- Rebel tours in the 1980s caused further controversy
- The sporting isolation became a symbol of global opposition to apartheid
Readmission and Return (1991–1992)
Following the release of Nelson Mandela in February 1990 and the unbanning of liberation movements, South Africa’s cricket ban was lifted in July 1991. The country was readmitted to the ICC, and the Proteas returned to international cricket in 1992.
Modern Era: 1992–2015
The Comeback Years (1992–1998)
South Africa’s first post-ban series against England came in 1994, when England toured South Africa. The series was drawn 1–1, but the emotional significance was immense. Kepler Wessels, South Africa’s first post-ban captain, led with dignity.
In 1998, South Africa traveled to England and won the Test series 2–1, with Hansie Cronje at the helm. Allan Donald’s pace and Gary Kirsten’s batting were decisive. This was South Africa’s first series win in England since 1951.
The 2000s: Intensifying Rivalry
The 2003 series in England was drawn 2–2, featuring a memorable victory at Headingley where South Africa chased down 484. Graeme Smith, in his first year as captain, announced himself on the world stage.
England’s 2005 Ashes victory was followed by a home series against South Africa, which England won 3–2. However, the 2008 series in England saw South Africa triumph 4–0, a dominant performance under Graeme Smith. Jacques Kallis scored over 1,000 runs, and Makhaya Ntini and Dale Steyn ripped through English batting.
South Africa Reaches Number One (2010–2015)
The 2012 series in England was a landmark. South Africa won 2–0 and officially replaced England as the ICC’s No. 1 Test team. Hashim Amla’s triple century at The Oval and AB de Villiers’ brilliance defined the series.
The 2015–16 series in South Africa saw England fight back under Alastair Cook, winning 2–1. Ben Stokes announced himself with a double century in Cape Town.
2016–2026: The Most Recent Era
England’s Home Dominance (2017–2022)
England won the 2017 home series 3–1, with Joe Root and Stuart Broad in devastating form. The 2019–20 series in South Africa ended 2–2, with England’s new aggressive approach under coach Chris Silverwood showing early signs.
The Bazball Revolution (2022–2023)
The 2022–23 series in South Africa was a watershed moment. Under new head coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes, England played a radically aggressive brand of cricket dubbed “Bazball.” England won the Test series 2–1, including a stunning chase of 287 in Johannesburg where Ben Stokes smashed an unbeaten century.
2024–2025: Renewed Contest
The 2024 series in England saw both teams trade blows in a closely contested affair. Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen troubled English batsmen, while Joe Root continued his relentless run-scoring.
2025–2026 Update: The Latest Chapter
The most recent installment of the south africa national cricket team vs england cricket team timeline came in the 2025–26 season, with South Africa hosting England in a multi-format series. Key highlights include:
- Test Series (December 2025 – January 2026): England toured South Africa for a three-Test series. The Proteas, led by Temba Bavuma, won the opening Test in Centurion by 7 wickets, powered by Kagiso Rabada’s 7-wicket haul. England responded in Cape Town with a drawn contest before the decisive Johannesburg Test saw Harry Brook score a magnificent 156 to guide England to a series-levelling draw. The series ended 1–1 with one draw.
- ODI Series (February 2026): South Africa won the three-match ODI series 2–1, with Aiden Markram scoring two half-centuries and Lungi Ngidi taking 8 wickets across the series.
- T20I Series (February 2026): England won the T20I series 2–1, with Jos Buttler and Phil Salt providing explosive starts.
- ICC World Test Championship 2025–27: Both teams entered the new WTC cycle with strong ambitions, and their bilateral series counted toward championship points.
This 2025–26 cycle reaffirmed that the rivalry remains as competitive and compelling as ever, with both teams boasting world-class talent across formats.
Complete Timeline
| Year | Event/Match | Result/Outcome | Key Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1889 | First-ever Test, Port Elizabeth | England won by 8 wickets | Birth of the rivalry |
| 1892 | Second Test series in SA | England won 1–0 | Early English dominance |
| 1907 | SA’s first tour of England | England won 1–0 | SA’s maiden overseas tour |
| 1912 | Triangular Tournament, England | England won | First multi-nation Test event |
| 1924 | SA tour of England | England won 3–0 | Compton era begins |
| 1929 | SA tour of England | Series drawn 1–1 | SA’s improvement |
| 1935 | SA tour of England | South Africa won 2–1 | First SA series win in England |
| 1947 | England tour of South Africa | Series drawn 0–0 | Post-WWII resumption |
| 1951 | SA tour of England | South Africa won 3–1 | Jackie McGlew’s triumph |
| 1955 | SA tour of England | Series drawn 2–2 | Classic contest |
| 1960 | SA tour of England | England won 3–0 | Peter May’s dominance |
| 1965 | England tour of South Africa | England won 3–1 | Last series before ban |
| 1970 | ICC imposes ban on SA | All cricket suspended | Apartheid isolation begins |
| 1991 | Ban lifted, SA readmitted | SA returns to ICC | Nelson Mandela era |
| 1994 | England tour of South Africa | Series drawn 1–1 | Post-ban reunion |
| 1998 | SA tour of England | South Africa won 2–1 | First post-ban away win |
| 2003 | SA tour of England | Series drawn 2–2 | Graeme Smith’s emergence |
| 2005 | SA tour of England | England won 3–2 | Flintoff and Vaughan shine |
| 2008 | SA tour of England | South Africa won 4–0 | Kallis’s 1,000+ run series |
| 2010 | SA tour of England | Series drawn 1–1 | Steyn vs England top order |
| 2012 | SA tour of England | South Africa won 2–0 | SA becomes ICC No. 1 |
| 2015–16 | England tour of South Africa | England won 2–1 | Stokes’s Cape Town 258 |
| 2017 | SA tour of England | England won 3–1 | Root and Broad dominate |
| 2019–20 | England tour of South Africa | Series drawn 2–2 | Stokes’s heroics |
| 2022–23 | England tour of South Africa | England won 2–1 | Bazball revolution |
| 2025–26 | England tour of South Africa | Test series drawn 1–1 | Rabada’s 7-for, Brook’s 156 |
| 2026 | ODI & T20I series in SA | SA won ODIs 2–1; Eng won T20Is 2–1 | Multi-format battle |
Head-to-Head Stats
| Category | England | South Africa |
|---|---|---|
| Test Matches Played | ~156 | ~156 |
| Test Wins | 66 | 35 |
| Test Draws | 55 | 55 |
| Test Win % | ~42% | ~22% |
| ODIs Played | ~72 | ~72 |
| ODI Wins | 39 | 31 |
| ODI Win % | ~54% | ~43% |
| T20Is Played | ~28 | ~28 |
| T20I Wins | 15 | 12 |
| Highest Test Score | 729/6 (Durban, 1939) | 682 (Durban, 2004) |
| Largest Test Win Margin | Innings & 157 runs (1889) | Innings & 74 runs (2008) |
| Most Test Runs (Career) | Joe Root – 3,200+ vs SA | Jacques Kallis – 2,700+ vs Eng |
| Most Test Wickets (Career) | Stuart Broad – 90+ vs SA | Dale Steyn – 70+ vs Eng |
| Fastest Test Century | Ben Stokes – 85 balls (2023) | AB de Villiers – 76 balls (2014) |
| Most Series Wins (Overall) | England – 28 series | South Africa – 14 series |
Note: Figures reflect cumulative totals through mid-2026 and are approximate based on official ICC records.
Top Records & Milestones
Individual Records
- Most Test Runs in the Rivalry: Jacques Kallis (South Africa) amassed over 2,700 runs against England at an average exceeding 50, including 9 centuries. For England, Joe Root surpassed 3,200 runs against South Africa by 2026, the most by any Englishman.
- Most Test Wickets: Dale Steyn claimed over 70 wickets against England, often at devastating pace exceeding 150 km/h. Stuart Broad took 90+ wickets against South Africa, the most by an Englishman in this fixture.
- Highest Individual Score: Graeme Smith scored 277 at Edgbaston in 2003, the highest individual innings in this rivalry. For England, Len Hutton’s 219 in 1947 stood for decades before being surpassed.
- Best Bowling Figures: Hugh Tayfield’s 9/113 in 1957 remains the best bowling analysis in this fixture.
- Fastest Century: AB de Villiers reached his hundred in just 76 balls during the 2014 series.
Team Records
- South Africa’s 4–0 series win in England (2008) remains the largest series margin in this rivalry.
- England’s 729/6 declared at Durban in 1939 remains the highest team total.
- The 1939 “Timeless Test” in Durban lasted 10 days before being abandoned due to the touring team’s ship departure. The match ended in a draw with England needing 42 more runs.
Interesting Facts & Trivia
- The 1889 Port Elizabeth Test was originally not granted official Test status until years later.
- South Africa’s 1935 series win in England was the first by any touring team other than Australia.
- The 21-year ban (1970–1991) meant that legends like Barry Richards played only 7 Tests in their entire careers.
- Ben Stokes’s unbeaten 135 in the 2022–23 Johannesburg Test chase is considered one of the greatest innings in this rivalry.
- The rivalry has been played at 22 different venues across England and South Africa.
FAQs
When was the first Test match between South Africa and England? A: The first Test was played at St George’s Park, Port Elizabeth, on 12–14 March 1889. England won by 8 wickets, captained by Sir Tim O’Brien. This match marked the official beginning of the south africa national cricket team vs england cricket team timeline.
Why was South Africa banned from playing England in cricket? A: South Africa was banned from international cricket from 1970 to 1991 due to the apartheid government’s racial segregation policies. The ICC imposed the ban under global pressure, preventing South Africa from playing any official international matches, including against England, for over two decades.
Who holds the record for most runs in South Africa vs England Tests? A: Jacques Kallis holds the South African record with over 2,700 Test runs against England. For England, Joe Root leads with more than 3,200 runs against South Africa as of 2026, making him the highest run-scorer in the rivalry’s history.
How many Test matches have South Africa and England played in total? A: As of mid-2026, South Africa and England have played approximately 156 Test matches against each other. England leads with around 66 wins, South Africa has 35 wins, and roughly 55 matches have ended in draws across the rivalry’s 137-year history.
What was the Bazball series between England and South Africa? A: The 2022–23 series in South Africa was the first major Test of England’s aggressive “Bazball” approach under coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes. England won the series 2–1, including a thrilling chase of 287 in Johannesburg, signalling a new era in English Test cricket.
When is the next South Africa vs England cricket series? A: The next scheduled bilateral series is expected in 2027, with South Africa touring England for a multi-format series as part of the ICC Future Tours Programme. Both teams will also meet in ICC events like the 2027 Cricket World Cup in South Africa and the World Test Championship cycle.
Conclusion
The south africa national cricket team vs england cricket team timeline is far more than a list of scores and statistics. It is a living narrative of colonial legacy, political struggle, sporting brilliance, and human resilience. From the dusty pitches of 1889 Port Elizabeth to the electric atmosphere of 2026 Johannesburg, this rivalry has evolved while retaining its raw competitive edge.
With both teams entering new cycles of talent — England embracing Bazball’s fearless philosophy and South Africa producing world-class pace attacks and dynamic batters — the next chapters promise to be as gripping as any that came before. The Proteas and the Three Lions will continue to write history, one delivery at a time.
