Durban, October 10,2026: Matt Renshaw struck a career-best 190 to guide Australia to 390 all out before experienced pacer Josh Hazlewood claimed an early wicket as South Africa reached 27/1 at stumps on the second day of the first Test at Kingsmead on Saturday.
South Africa lost Ryan Rickelton in the second over of their innings when Hazlewood had him caught at third slip without a run on the board.
Aiden Markram, unbeaten on 15, and David Bedingham, not out on 12, steadied the innings to take the hosts to 27/1 when bad light brought play to an early close.
Renshaw’s marathon knock, which lasted almost eight hours, helped Australia add 203 runs to their overnight score of 187/6 and post a formidable first-innings total.
Resuming on 46 not out, the left-handed batter built two crucial partnerships to rescue Australia after the visitors had slumped to 124/6 on the opening day.
He added 86 runs for the seventh wicket with captain Pat Cummins, but Australia appeared in danger of being bowled out quickly when the eighth wicket fell in the second over with the new ball, leaving the total at 230.
However, Renshaw found a determined partner in Nathan Lyon, who scored 27, as the pair put together 134 runs for the ninth wicket — a record partnership for Australia in Test matches against South Africa.
Renshaw dominated the stand, taking most of the strike, while Lyon focused largely on defending as the pitch became less lively.
The 30-year-old batted for 468 minutes, facing 397 deliveries and hitting 21 fours and one six.
His previous and only other Test century was an innings of 184 against Pakistan in Sydney during the 2016-17 season. After two extended spells away from the Test side, Renshaw returned to the Australian team for their previous Test against Bangladesh in August.
His outstanding innings has given Australia a strong platform, while Hazlewood’s early breakthrough added further pressure on South Africa before the close of play.
