South Africa vs Australia Tests 2022–23: Australia Won 2–0 — Warner POTS, Cummins 12 Wickets
South Africa toured Australia for a three-match Test series in December 2022 to January 2023, with Australia winning the series 2–0 (one match drawn). The first Test at Brisbane (17–18 December 2022) saw Australia win by 6 wickets — South Africa 152 and 99, Australia 218 and 35 for 4. The second Test at Melbourne (26–29 December 2022) was even more emphatic: Australia won by an innings and 182 runs — South Africa 189 and 204, Australia 575 for 8 declared. The third Test at Sydney (4–8 January 2023) was drawn — Australia 475 for 4 declared, South Africa 255 and 106 for 2. David Warner was named Player of the Series. Steve Smith scored 231 runs for Australia; Temba Bavuma scored 185 for South Africa. Pat Cummins took 12 wickets for Australia; Kagiso Rabada took 11 wickets for South Africa. Australia captained by Pat Cummins; South Africa by Dean Elgar.
South Africa toured Australia for a three-match Test series in December 2022 and January 2023. Australia, captained by Pat Cummins, were the strong favourites at home; South Africa were led by Dean Elgar. The series opened at The Gabba in Brisbane on 17–18 December 2022. South Africa were skittled for 152 in their first innings. Australia replied with 218, taking a first-innings lead of 66 runs. In South Africa's second innings, they were bowled out for just 99, leaving Australia needing only 34 to win. Australia knocked off the target for the loss of 4 wickets, winning by 6 wickets in just two days. It was a devastating start to the series for South Africa, exposing fragility in their batting against the Australian pace attack.
Boxing Day Rout and Sydney Draw
The second Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (26–29 December 2022) — the traditional Boxing Day Test — delivered an even more dominant Australian performance. South Africa were bowled out for 189 in their first innings. Australia responded with 575 for 8 declared — one of the great Boxing Day totals — taking a massive first-innings lead. South Africa could only muster 204 in their second innings, with Australia winning by an innings and 182 runs to claim the series 2–0. The third Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground (4–8 January 2023) ended in a draw. Australia posted 475 for 4 declared in their first innings; South Africa scored 255 and reached 106 for 2 in their second innings, with the match petering out. David Warner was named Player of the Series for his aggressive contributions. Steve Smith scored 231 runs for Australia across the series; Temba Bavuma led South Africa's batting with 185 runs. Pat Cummins was the most destructive bowler with 12 wickets; Kagiso Rabada took 11 wickets for South Africa.
Frequently asked questions
What were the results of the South Africa vs Australia Test series in December 2022 and January 2023?
Australia won the three-match series 2–0 (with one draw). In the first Test at Brisbane (17–18 Dec), Australia won by 6 wickets (South Africa 152 & 99, Australia 218 & 35/4). In the second Test at Melbourne (26–29 Dec, Boxing Day), Australia won by an innings and 182 runs (South Africa 189 & 204, Australia 575/8 declared). The third Test at Sydney (4–8 Jan 2023) was drawn (Australia 475/4d, South Africa 255 & 106/2). David Warner was Player of the Series. Pat Cummins took 12 wickets; Kagiso Rabada took 11.
Who were the leading performers in the Australia vs South Africa Tests in 2022–23?
David Warner was named Player of the Series in the Australia vs South Africa Test series 2022–23. Steve Smith was Australia's leading run-scorer with 231 runs; Temba Bavuma led South Africa's batting with 185 runs. Pat Cummins was the leading wicket-taker for Australia with 12 wickets; Kagiso Rabada took 11 wickets for South Africa. Australia won 2–0 under Pat Cummins; South Africa were captained by Dean Elgar.