Matt Renshaw broke Virat Kohli’s decade-old Test record with a defiant 190 vs SA

Australian batsman Matt Renshaw broke Virat Kohli’s decade-old record for most runs scored alongside tail-enders in a Test innings with a career-best 190 against South Africa in Durban.

Renshaw scored 174 runs batting with Nos. 8 to 11 during his 397-ball knock in Australia’s first innings. His innings helped Australia recovered from 124 for 6 to 390 all on day 2 of the ongoing test at Kingsmead on Sunday.

Kohli had held the record since December 2016 when he scored 171 runs alongside the lower order during his 235 against England at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Renshaw surpassed that mark with a decisive innings that kept Australia in the contest after failing to deliver on their top order.

The left-hander found an able partner in skipper Pat Cummins, who added 41 runs to his 86 runs. He then scored 12 in a 20-run partnership with Mitchell Starc before joining Nathan Lyon to turn the match.

South Africa vs Australia 1st Test Day 2: Highlights | Scorecard

Renshaw and Lyon put on 134 runs for the ninth wicket, with the former contributing 100. Renshaw added another 21 runs with Josh Hazlewood before Simon Harmer dismissed him for 190, ending his hopes of a maiden Test double century.

Renshaw hit 21 fours and a six in an innings that lasted 397 deliveries. It was his first Test century in more than nine years and his highest score in the format, making him a timely statement as he looks to secure his place in Australia’s plans.

RENSHAW SET MORE RECORDS IN DURBAN

The 190 also made Renshaw the highest-scoring Australian Test batsman at Kingsmead, surpassing Phillip Hughes’ 160 in 2009. It was also the highest Test score at the venue by a batsman ranked No. 5 or lower, surpassing Kusal Perera’s unbeaten 153 in 2019.

Australia were in trouble after losing six wickets for 124 runs, with questions over the form of their top order. Renshaw’s patience and willingness to man the wicket helped turn the innings around and gave the visitors a total defence.

Former Australian batsman Simon Katich has endorsed Renshaw’s approach, saying the team needs a batsman who can dig in when the situation calls for it.

“I like him as a player,” Katich said on SEN radio.

“When he first arrived I liked him as a player, even though others thought he was too defensive.

“I think that’s what this team needed and was crying out for.

Cummins added 43 while Lyon made 27 off 92 balls. For South Africa, Wiaan Mulder took 4 for 68, Marco Jansen took three wickets and Anrich Nortje took two.

South Africa finished Day 2 27 for 1, 363 runs behind Australia. Hazlewood dismissed Ryan Rickelton for a duck while Aiden Markram was unbeaten on 15 and David Bedingham was on 12 when bad light brought an early end to the game.

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