# Australia-South Africa Test cricket series

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/australia-south-africa-test-cricket-series
> Updated: 2026-10-18T16:36:35.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2.

During the second Test match between Australia and South Africa at St George’s Park, Australian management made the strategic decision to omit veteran spinner Nathan Lyon from the playing eleven. This selection marks the first time since 2013 that Lyon has been left out of a red-ball Test while fit, signaling a shift toward prioritizing an all-pace attack. In his place, Scott Boland was selected, making an immediate impact by taking two wickets in two balls.

In the same match, Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc became the first left-arm bowler in Test history to reach 450 wickets, surpassing Glenn McGrath’s record for the fewest balls bowled to reach that milestone. 

South Africa also implemented tactical changes, debuting opener Marcus Ackermann and bringing in off-spinner Simon Harmer for Keshav Maharaj. The series remains tied at 1-1.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-18: Australia omits Nathan Lyon for second Test against South Africa

Australia has omitted veteran spinner Nathan Lyon for the second Test against South Africa, opting for a pace-heavy strategy featuring Scott Boland.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/australia-omits-nathan-lyon-for-second-test-against-south-africa

### 2026-10-18: Mitchell Starc reaches 450 Test wickets as Australia drops Nathan Lyon

Australia's Mitchell Starc became the first left-arm bowler to reach 450 Test wickets in the second Test against South Africa, while veteran spinner Nathan Lyon was dropped from the lineup.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mitchell-starc-reaches-450-test-wickets-as-australia-drops-nathan-lyon

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Cite as: Australia-South Africa Test cricket series. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/australia-south-africa-test-cricket-series