Sky Sports has renewed its long‑standing collaboration with Cricket South Africa, joining forces with the streaming platform NOW to become the sole broadcaster of England’s men’s cricket tour of South Africa this winter. The package includes full live coverage of three Test matches followed by a three‑match One Day International (ODI) series, giving British fans unprecedented access to every moment of the action on South African soil. The three‑Test series is slated to run across December and January, marking the first time in seven years that England will embark on a Test tour of South Africa. This historic return comes on the heels of England’s dominant home series against Pakistan, where the hosts recorded a clean sweep – a first in their own backyard.
The upcoming South African leg will also be notable for another milestone: it will be the inaugural series for Stephen Fleming in his new role as England’s men’s Test head coach. Fleming, a former New Zealand captain with a distinguished coaching résumé, will be looking to imprint his philosophy on the squad as they adapt to the challenging conditions of the South African pitches. Following the Test battles, the itinerary shifts to a trio of ODIs in January. These limited‑overs fixtures serve as a crucial preparation block for England ahead of the ICC Men’s World Cup 2027, which is scheduled to be hosted across South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia in October and November of next year.
By playing competitive cricket in the same venues that will host World Cup matches, England hopes to fine‑tune strategies, acclimatise to local weather patterns, and give emerging talent a taste of high‑pressure situations. Sky Sports’ commitment to broadcasting a packed slate of international cricket from the region does not stop with England.
The network will also air the Australian men’s tour, which kicks off this Thursday with the first of three ODIs in Durban, before moving on to a three‑Test series. The South African summer calendar will then feature tours from Bangladesh, the India Women’s side, and the Australia Women’s side, extending the cricketing festival through to April. This continuous flow of matches underscores South Africa’s status as a premier destination for top‑level cricket during the Southern Hemisphere summer. For more than thirty years, Sky Sports has been the primary television home for cricket in South Africa, delivering live coverage of every England men’s Test series played there throughout that period.
The renewed agreement reinforces Sky’s reputation as the go‑to broadcaster for the sport, encompassing all of England’s home and away fixtures for both men’s and women’s teams, as well as domestic competitions. Among the highlights on the horizon is the highly anticipated Ashes series on home soil next summer, which promises to be a marquee event for the network.
The 2026/2027 season will see a busy itinerary: - Australia’s men’s tour of South Africa, featuring three ODIs in Durban followed by three Tests. - Bangladesh’s men’s tour, scheduled later in the season. - England’s men’s tour, comprising three Tests and three ODIs. - India Women’s tour, adding depth to the women’s international programme.
- Australia Women’s tour, rounding out a diverse and inclusive cricket calendar. Fans can tune in to the opening ODI between South Africa and Australia at 8:30 am on Thursday via Sky Sports Cricket, Sky Sports+, or the NOW streaming service, which offers a contract‑free option for viewers who prefer online access. The partnership between Sky Sports and Cricket South Africa not only guarantees high‑quality production values and expert commentary but also ensures that the excitement of South African summer cricket reaches a global audience.
In addition to live match coverage, Sky Sports will provide pre‑match analysis, post‑match interviews, and in‑depth feature pieces that explore player backstories, tactical nuances, and the cultural significance of cricket in South Africa. The network’s digital platforms will also host highlights, on‑demand replays, and interactive content, allowing fans to engage with the sport beyond the traditional broadcast window. Overall, the extension of this partnership represents a strategic win for both parties: Cricket South Africa benefits from the extensive reach and production expertise of Sky Sports, while the broadcaster solidifies its position as the premier destination for cricket enthusiasts worldwide.
As the English team prepares for a demanding winter tour, supporters can look forward to a comprehensive, immersive viewing experience that captures the drama, skill, and passion inherent in the game of cricket.