Matt Renshaw damaged South Africa with bat and ball as Australia won the Test at Durban

Matt Renshaw continued his dream return to Test cricket with another impressive batting performance before claiming the decisive wicket of South Africa captain Temba Bavuma to leave Australia six wickets from victory in the first Test at Kingsmead in Durban on Monday.

Renshaw, who scored a brilliant 190 in Australia’s first innings 390, followed it up with a brilliant 82 in the second innings as the visitors declared 314 for 6, setting South Africa a daunting target of 421. The hosts reached 102 for 4 at stumps, needing a special effort to save the match on the final day.

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 not out at the bottom of the five. With six wickets still needed, Australia will have a chance to finish the match on Tuesday.

RENSHAW CONTINUES TO FIRE THE MASTERCLASS

Australia continued their second innings on 33 for no loss and scored at an aggressive pace to give their bowlers enough time to bowl out South Africa. They added 141 runs for the loss of four wickets in the morning session and accelerated further in the afternoon.

Renshaw once again stood out and built on his first innings heroics to top score in Australia’s second innings. His 82 kept the score moving and helped the visitors push their lead beyond South Africa’s reach.

The Queensland batsman’s innings ended in controversial circumstances when Keshav Maharaj dismissed him in a decisive decision. However, his work has 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 surge, smashing four sixes in a rousing 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 hit on the helmet by Anrich Nortje and subsequently assessed under the concussion protocols.

RENSHAW BRINGS A KEY BREAKTHROUGH

Australia’s bowlers then cashed in on a formidable target, leaving South Africa struggling. The first breakthrough was provided by Josh Hazlewood, who dismissed Ryan Rickelton for two before trapping David Bedingham leg – earlier for 46.

Bedingham shared a 66-run partnership with Markram, which offered South Africa some hope of a fightback. However, Hazlewood’s intervention ended the stand and put the middle order under further pressure.

Renshaw then struck the decisive blow by removing Bavum. The South Africa captain nudged the spinner and was caught on the 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 for one soon after, edging a delivery from Cummins to leave South Africa in serious trouble. The dismissal compounded the hosts’ batting woes as their middle-order was unable to build partnerships or withstand Australia’s sustained pressure.

South Africa must now find a way to survive the final day of play, with Markram as their main source of resistance. Mulder will also need to make a big contribution if the hosts are to avoid defeat. Australia, meanwhile, will be looking to finish the job and take a 1-0 lead in the series.

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