Renshaw’s runs and first Test wicket leave Australia close to Durban win

Matt Renshaw produced another major contribution with bat and ball as Australia moved to within six wickets of victory over South Africa in the first Test at Kingsmead in Durban on Monday, claiming the scalp of captain Temba Bavuma. South Africa ended Day 4 on 102 for 4, facing a steep task to save the match on the final day.

Renshaw followed his first-innings 190 in Australia’s 390 with a second-innings 82 as the visitors declared at 314 for 6, setting the hosts a target of 421. Aiden Markram was unbeaten on 45 and Wiaan Mulder five not out at stumps as South Africa sought resistance.

Australia resumed their second innings at 33 without loss and set an aggressive tempo, adding 141 in the morning session for the loss of four wickets before accelerating further in the afternoon. Renshaw’s second-innings effort sustained the momentum until Keshav Maharaj dismissed him caught-and-bowled in circumstances described as controversial.

Nic Maddinson made 48 after a first-innings duck, while Beau Webster finished unbeaten on 39. Captain Pat Cummins supplied a late flurry, striking four sixes in a 12-ball 32; Marnus Labuschagne scored 37 and shared a 53-run partnership with Steve Smith, who made 27. Travis Head scored 11, and Smith was struck on the helmet by Anrich Nortje and subsequently assessed under concussion protocols.

Australia’s bowlers then applied pressure with Josh Hazlewood providing early breakthroughs, removing Ryan Rickelton for two and trapping David Bedingham leg-before for 46. Bedingham had earlier added 66 with Markram to offer South Africa a brief reprieve. Renshaw then accounted for Bavuma after the South African captain prodded at an off-spinner and was caught at bat-pad at short leg for one — Renshaw’s first Test wicket — and Tristan Stubbs fell shortly afterwards for one, edging a delivery from Cummins.

The middle order’s inability to forge extended partnerships left South Africa vulnerable, and Markram remained the principal source of resistance at stumps with Mulder yet to add significantly. South Africa must survive the final day if they are to avoid defeat.

Australia will look to finish the job and take a 1-0 lead in the series.