Sky Sports, in partnership with Cricket South Africa, has renewed its long‑standing collaboration to become the sole broadcaster of England’s men’s cricket tour of South Africa this coming winter. The agreement, which also involves the streaming platform NOW, guarantees that fans in the United Kingdom will be able to watch every moment of the three‑Test and three‑One Day International (ODI) matches live, without any competing broadcasters sharing the feed. The three‑match Test series is slated for December and January, marking the first time England will travel to South Africa for a Test tour since the 2016‑17 season, a gap of seven years.
This historic return to the African continent comes on the heels of England’s dominant home series against Pakistan, where the English side secured a clean sweep. The upcoming South African leg will also be noteworthy because it will be Stephen Fleming’s inaugural series as the head coach of England’s Test team, giving him an early opportunity to implement his strategic vision on foreign soil. Following the Tests, the itinerary shifts to the limited‑overs format with three ODIs scheduled for January. These matches serve a dual purpose: they provide valuable preparation for England ahead of the ICC Men’s World Cup 2027 and they allow the squad to acclimatise to the conditions that will be encountered during the World Cup, which is set to be hosted across South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia in October and November of next year.
By playing competitive cricket in the same venues and under similar weather patterns, England hopes to fine‑tune its batting order, bowling combinations and fielding setups well before the global tournament begins. Sky Sports will deliver comprehensive coverage of the entire South African cricket calendar, beginning with the Australian men’s tour that kicks off this Thursday with the first of three ODIs in Durban, followed by a three‑match Test series.
After the Australian fixtures, the schedule will continue to feature a succession of tours, including Bangladesh’s men’s side, the India Women’s team, and the Australia Women’s squad, extending the broadcast window through to April. This packed programme underscores Sky Sports’ commitment to offering cricket enthusiasts a continuous stream of high‑quality international action. The broadcaster’s relationship with South African cricket stretches back more than thirty years.
Over that period, Sky Sports has been the primary conduit for live coverage of every England men’s Test series played on South African soil, building a deep archive of memorable moments and fostering a loyal viewership. The renewed deal not only cements this historic partnership but also reinforces Sky Sports’ status as the premier destination for cricket in the UK. In addition to the England tour, the network will continue to air all home England men’s and women’s international fixtures, as well as domestic competitions, ensuring that fans have access to a full spectrum of cricket content throughout the year. Looking ahead, the 2026‑27 season promises a particularly busy itinerary for South Africa.
Apart from the England men’s tour, the country will host Australia’s men’s side, Bangladesh’s men’s side, the India Women’s team, and the Australia Women’s team, each series contributing to a vibrant and diverse cricketing calendar. These engagements will provide a valuable platform for emerging talent from both the host nation and the visiting squads to showcase their skills on the international stage.
For viewers who prefer streaming, the matches will also be available on NOW, Sky Sports’ over‑the‑top service, which offers flexible, contract‑free access. The first ODI between South Africa and Australia will be streamed live from 8:30 am on Thursday, giving fans the option to watch on a range of devices without the need for a traditional satellite or cable subscription.
In summary, the renewed partnership between Sky Sports and Cricket South Africa guarantees that English cricket fans will enjoy uninterrupted, high‑definition coverage of England’s winter tour, as well as a host of other international fixtures taking place in South Africa over the next few months. The arrangement not only highlights Sky Sports’ long‑term dedication to cricket broadcasting but also ensures that the sport remains accessible to a broad audience, whether through conventional television channels or modern streaming platforms. With the Ashes series on home soil scheduled for next summer, the upcoming months will be a pivotal period for Sky Sports as it continues to position itself as the definitive home of cricket for UK audiences.