Matt Renshaw hurts South Africa with bat and ball as Australia near Durban Test win
Matt Renshaw continued his dream return to Test cricket with another commanding batting performance before claiming the crucial wicket of South Africa captain Temba Bavuma, leaving Australia six wickets away from victory in the first Test at Kingsmead in Durban on Monday.
Renshaw, who scored a magnificent 190 in Australia’s first innings of 390, followed it up with a superb 82 in the second innings as the visitors declared at 314 for 6, setting South Africa a daunting target of 421. The hosts reached 102 for 4 at stumps, needing an extraordinary effort on the final day to save the match.
South Africa vs Australia, 1st Test Day 4: Highlights | Scorecard
South Africa’s hopes now rest largely on opener Aiden Markram, who remained unbeaten on 45, and Wiaan Mulder, who was five not out at close. With six wickets still required, Australia will fancy their chances of wrapping up the match on Tuesday.
RENSHAW CONTINUES BATTING MASTERCLASS
Australia resumed their second innings at 33 without loss and scored at an aggressive pace to give their bowlers enough time to dismiss South Africa. They added 141 runs in the morning session for the loss of four wickets before accelerating further in the afternoon.
Renshaw once again stood out, building on his first-innings heroics to produce the highest score of Australia’s second innings. His 82 kept the scoreboard moving and helped the visitors push their lead beyond South Africa’s reach.
The Queensland batter’s innings ended in controversial circumstances when Keshav Maharaj dismissed him with a caught-and-bowled decision. However, his work had already put Australia in a commanding position.
Nic Maddinson contributed 48 after being dismissed for a duck in the first innings, while Beau Webster remained unbeaten on 39. Captain Pat Cummins provided a late burst of acceleration, smashing four sixes in a blistering 12-ball 32.
Marnus Labuschagne scored 37 and shared a 53-run partnership with Steve Smith, who made 27. Travis Head managed 11, while Smith was struck on the helmet by Anrich Nortje and subsequently assessed under concussion protocols.
RENSHAW DELIVERS CRUCIAL BREAKTHROUGH
Australia’s bowlers then capitalised on the imposing target, making South Africa struggle. Josh Hazlewood provided the early breakthroughs, dismissing Ryan Rickelton for two before trapping David Bedingham leg-before for 46.
Bedingham had shared a 66-run partnership with Markram, offering South Africa some hope of mounting a fightback. However, Hazlewood’s intervention ended the stand and exposed the middle order to further pressure.
Renshaw then delivered the decisive blow by removing Bavuma. The South African captain prodded at the off-spinner and was caught at bat-pad at short leg after scoring just one run. It was Renshaw’s first Test wicket, capping a remarkable all-round performance in Durban.
Tristan Stubbs fell soon afterwards for one, edging a delivery from Cummins to leave South Africa in serious trouble. The dismissal compounded the hosts’ batting woes, with their middle order unable to build partnerships or withstand Australia’s sustained pressure.
South Africa must now find a way to survive the final day’s play, with Markram their main source of resistance. Mulder will also need to contribute significantly if the hosts are to avoid defeat. Australia, meanwhile, will look to finish the job and take a 1-0 lead in the series.
– Ends
