Josh Hazlewood wreaks havoc on Day 5 as Australia crush South Africa by 214 runs in Durban

Australian Josh Hazlewood (AP photo) Josh Hazlewood produced a match-winning spell on Day 5 to guide Australia to a 214-run victory over South Africa in the Durban Test on Tuesday. The Australian pacer claimed six wickets for 49 runs, registering his best bowling figures in Test cricket and handing South Africa captain Tembu Bavuma his first defeat in the format as captain.Chasing a target of 421, South Africa were bowled out for 206 in the second over despite a fighting 75 from Aiden Markram. Hazlewood dismantled the lower order to seal a dominant win for Australia after the hosts showed some resistance on the final day of play.

Hazlewood dissects South Africa’s lower order

South Africa continued on Day 5 hoping to extend their resistance, with Markram and Wiaan Mulder trying to keep Australia at bay. However, Hazlewood removed Mulder for 29 to end the 204-ball partnership and open the door for the visitors.Steve Smith then took another excellent catch in the slips to dismiss Kyle Verreynn, leaving South Africa struggling at 156/6. Marco Jansen briefly delayed Australia’s victory when he batted alongside Markram to take the contest beyond the forenoon. However, Hazlewood came through again and bowled Jansen, who returned sharply before dismissing Simon Harmer in the same over.Mitchell Starc subsequently ended Markram’s resistance when the opener departed after facing 237 deliveries. Hazlewood completed the win by dismissing Anrich Nortje, finishing with career-best figures of 6/49 and his 15th five-wicket haul in Tests.

Renshaw secures victory for Australia

Australia’s victory was built on an outstanding batting performance by Matt Renshaw. He scored 190 in the first innings while Australia made 390 before adding another 82 in the second innings to help the visitors declare for 314/6. South Africa managed 284 in their first innings but struggled to maintain their chase of 421. David Bedingham contributed 46, while Markram provided most of the opposition with his decisive batting.For South Africa, Wiaan Mulder took 4/68 in Australia’s first innings, while Anrich Nortje and Keshav Maharaj took two wickets each in the second. Australia’s commanding performance with both bat and ball ensured a comprehensive victory, with Renshaw’s runs and Hazlewood’s decisive last-day spell proving instrumental.Brief Score: Australia 390 and 314/6 declared to beat South Africa 284 and 206 by 214 runs. Matt Renshaw scored 190 and 82 while Josh Hazlewood returned figures of 6/49 in the second innings.