Matt Renshaw eclipses Phillip Hughes, rewrites the record books with 190

Australian Matt Renshaw (AP photo) Matt Renshaw produced a remarkable turnaround for Australia when he smashed a career-best 190 against South Africa in the first Test in Durban, posting the highest individual score by an Australian at the venue.Renshaw surpassed Phillip Hughes by 160 points in 2009 to claim the record in Durban. His marathon knock also set a new benchmark for the highest individual Test score at the venue by a batsman ranked No. 5 or lower, eclipsing Sri Lanka’s Kusal Perer, who remained unbeaten on 153 in 2019.The left-hander faced 397 deliveries, hitting 21 fours and sixes as Australia recovered from a shaky 84-4 on Day 1 and 124-6 to post 390 in their first innings.Renshaw found vital support from the lower order, particularly Nathan Lyon, with whom he added 134 runs for the ninth wicket. Lyon contributed 27 off 92 balls in a stubborn partnership that frustrated the hosts for much of the second day.Renshaw brought up his second Test century off 204 balls, his first since 184 against Pakistan in Sydney in 2017. He went on to make 150 off 311 deliveries before reaching his highest score in Test cricket.His innings also made him one of the highest-scoring Australians in South Africa in Tests. Greg Blewett’s 214 in Johannesburg in 1997 remains the highest, followed by Adam Gilchrist’s unbeaten 204 at the same venue in 2002 and Herbie Collins’ 203 in 1921. Renshaw’s 190 in Durban is fourth on the list.Marco Jansen eventually dismissed Lyon leg before wicket, ending the 134-run stand as Renshaw continued to push Australia towards the 400-run mark. He was eventually caught at slip off Simon Harmer to end an innings that rescued Australia from a difficult position.South Africa ended the second day at 27-1 in 8.4 overs, falling behind by 363 runs. Ryan Rickelton fell for a three-ball duck to Josh Hazlewood, while Aiden Markram and David Bedingham were unbeaten on 15 and 12 at the stumps.Play was curtailed by rain and time loss for the second consecutive day, with 14.2 overs lost on Saturday after nearly 25 overs were lost during the latter part of Day 1.