Matthew Renshaw transformed Australia’s fortunes after the team slipped to 124 for six early in the first Test. His 190-run performance is a career-best and his first Test century in nine years, following a 185-run effort against Pakistan in 2017. Renshaw displayed extreme patience, facing 397 balls during an innings where he even endured a blow to his helmet from Anrich Nortje. By the time he was dismissed after tea, he had secured the highest score by a number five batter in Tests at Kingsmead.
This performance is vital for the series trajectory as Australia reached 390 all out, setting a strong benchmark for the visitors. For the home side, the challenge now lies in overcoming a 363-run deficit as they look to recover from a difficult second day. The contribution of the lower order proved particularly damaging to South African hopes, as Renshaw and Nathan Lyon combined for a 134-run ninth-wicket partnership, which stands as a record for that wicket in Durban.
According to News24, Australia began the second day at 187 for six. Wiaan Mulder provided resistance for South Africa, finishing with 4-68, while Marco Jansen took 3-68, including the wicket of Lyon. South Africa’s response saw them lose Ryan Rickelton for a duck to Josh Hazlewood, leaving Aiden Markram and David Bedingham to resume the innings on the third morning. Bad light brought an early end to proceedings on Saturday, forcing play to stop with the hosts trailing by 363 runs.
The match now heads into a crucial third day at Kingsmead Cricket Ground, where the result should shape the remainder of the series between the two sides.