Australia 230 for 8 on Day 2 of first Test after Mulder traps Starc — live updates, Oct 10, 2026

South Africa and Australia resumed on Day 2 of the first Test on October 10, 2026, with Australia 230 for 8 after Mitchell Starc was bowled by Wiaan Mulder. Drinks had been taken and Nathan Lyon was due to bat next.

Australia’s innings has been punctuated by incisive bowling from the home side and timely batting contributions from Matt Renshaw; the commentary noted that 250 is not out of the equation and Australia still have a couple of wickets in hand. The second new ball became available during the session and South Africa elected to take it immediately. Mulder and Marco Jansen shared the renewed new-ball overs for the hosts.

Wiaan Mulder removed Mitchell Starc, with the delivery described as a good-length wobble-seam ball that hit the top of off stump; it was recorded as wicket number 4 for Mulder and left Australia eight down at 230. Earlier in the over Mulder had produced movement back into the left-hander and Starc had been struck on the pad while attempting to play around the line.

Simon Harmer produced a chance to dismiss Starc when an outside edge flew to slip, the live report noting: DROPPED, FOUR! Aiden Markram reached but the ball clipped his fingertips and trickled into the fence. Harmer also bowled a sequence of fuller deliveries and variations that Starc defended or worked to the off side prior to the dismissal.

Matt Renshaw provided the main resistance for Australia, hitting at least one boundary — “FOUR! That’s been whipped away by Renshaw” — and rotating the strike with several singles, including one nudged to fine leg and another guided behind square after a good length ball. An “excellent chase by Tristan Stubbs” prevented a potential three, restricting Renshaw to a single on one occasion.

The match saw a no-ball from Wiaan Mulder earlier in the session; the live text states, “Mulder has overstepped, the 2nd instance for him in this Test.” Shortly afterwards the second new ball was taken: “The second new ball is now available for South Africa. The fourth umpire is out with the brand-new cherry, and South Africa have taken it right away. Marco Jansen is back on, and he'll have the first bite at it.” Jansen returned to bowl overs that included a probing off-stump line and an outswinging delivery that Renshaw left alone.

Nathan Lyon was the next batter to arrive at the crease, and play was set to resume following the drinks interval with South Africa having the new ball in hand and Australia two wickets away from being dismissed.