Matt Renshaw jumps 149 places to No. 49 after 190 in Durban Test

Matt Renshaw jumped 149 places to No. 49 in the latest ICC Test batting rankings after starring in Australia’s 214-run victory over South Africa in the first Test in Durban on October 14, 2026. His performance featured a career-best 190 in the first innings.

Renshaw’s 190 came after Australia had slipped to 124 for six and helped the visitors recover to post 390. It was his first Test century since January 2017, when he scored his maiden hundred against Pakistan in Sydney. Nearly a decade on, the 30-year-old recorded his second Test century and surpassed his previous career-best of 184.

He followed that innings with 82 in the second knock as Australia declared at 314 for six, setting South Africa a target of 421. Those returns across both innings earned Renshaw the Player of the Match award.

Renshaw also contributed with the ball, taking two wickets as Australia bowled South Africa out for 206 to seal the 214-run win. The result gave Australia a 1-0 lead in the three-Test series.

Marnus Labuschagne gained ground in the batting rankings as well, climbing four places to 34th, while South Africa opener Aiden Markram also rose four spots to move into a tie for 10th.

Fast bowler Josh Hazlewood delivered a match-winning spell on the final day in Durban, claiming career-best figures of six for 49; the performance elevated him two places to seventh in the Test bowling rankings, which remain led by Mitchell Starc.

Australia will attempt to build on the victory in the second Test in Gqeberha, beginning on October 18, while Renshaw will hope his Durban performances herald a sustained run of form.