Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins put Australia on the brink of victory as South Africa face 319-run chase on Day 5

Pat Cummins, Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne Australia stiffened in the first Test against South Africa in Durban, leaving the hosts needing another 319 runs with six wickets in hand to pull off a remarkable victory on Day 5. Matt Renshaw continued his excellent innings with an aggressive 82, while Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins struck crucial blows to keep Australia firmly in control.After securing a 106-run first-innings lead, Australia declared their second innings at 314/6, setting South Africa a daunting target of 421. The hosts reached 102/4 at stumps, with Aiden Markram unbeaten on 45 and Wiaan Mulder by his side as Australia moved six wickets short of victory.

Matt Renshaw and Pat Cummins take Australia to a 420-run lead

Australia started Day 4 in a commanding position and continued to pile on the runs. Nic Maddinson got off to an attacking start with 48 off just 38 balls, while Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne helped extend the lead before both fell in the forenoon.Renshaw then took over and added 48 runs with Alex Carey and 65 with Beau Webster. The left-hander followed up his first innings 190 with a smooth 82 off 99 balls before Keshav Maharaj dismissed him with a superb return. Cummins provided the late fireworks, smashing four sixes in an unbeaten 32 off just 12 deliveries. Australia added 140 runs in 22 overs during the second session before declaring 314/6, setting a target of 421 for South Africa.

Hazlewood, Renshaw and Cummins leave South Africa in trouble

South Africa’s chase suffered an early setback when Hazlewood removed Ryan Rickelton. However, Markram and David Bedingham withstood the Australian attack for nearly 20 overs and put together a stubborn partnership that threatened to frustrate the visitors. Hazlewood finally broke through by catching Bedingham leg-side in front of the wicket for 46. Renshaw then made another contribution with the ball as he dismissed South Africa captain Tembu Bavuma to leave the hosts under pressure.Cummins added to South Africa’s woes by dismissing Tristan Stubbs after a series of short deliveries secured the breakthrough. Markram and Mulder survived the remaining overs to take South Africa to 102/4 at stumps.

South Africa face a daunting challenge on the final day

South Africa need another 319 runs on Day 5 with six wickets remaining to reach the target of 421. Markram’s unbeaten 45 gives the hosts some hope, but Australia will be confident of getting the job done after a dominant fourth day.Hazlewood led the charge with two wickets, while Cummins and Renshaw scored one each. Australia now need six more wickets to secure victory, while South Africa must produce some considerable batting to keep the Test alive.Brief scores: Australia 390 (Matt Renshaw 190; Wiaan Mulder 4/68) and 314/6 declared (Matt Renshaw 82, Nic Maddinson 48; Anrich Nortje 2/56) lead South Africa 284 and 102/4 (David Bedingham, Markramsh 46/200); 319 rides.