Australia Takes Control in First Test Against South Africa with Renshaw's Stellar Performance

Australia has taken a commanding lead in the first Test against South Africa, highlighted by Matt Renshaw's impressive innings of 190 runs. After a shaky start, Renshaw's performance, along with key partnerships, helped Australia post a total of 390 runs. As South Africa ended Day 2 at 27/1, the match remains poised for an exciting continuation. Discover more about Renshaw's remarkable comeback and the standout performances from both teams in this thrilling Test match.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 10, 2026, 23:55 IST

Australia Dominates Day Two of First Test

On Saturday, Australia concluded the second day of the first Test against South Africa in Durban with a strong position, having dismissed Ryan Rickelton early. By the end of the day's play, South Africa was at 27 runs for the loss of one wicket, with David Bedingham (12*) and Aiden Markram (15*) remaining at the crease. The day's play was halted due to poor light.

Renshaw's Remarkable Innings

Australia posted a total of 390 runs, largely thanks to a remarkable innings from Matt Renshaw, who narrowly missed out on his maiden Test double century. Renshaw's score of 190 is now the fourth-highest by an Australian player in South Africa, aiding the team in making a significant comeback against the reigning World Test Champions. Coming in at a precarious 84/4, after the quick dismissals of key players Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne, Renshaw was the last to fall, hitting 190 off 397 balls, including 21 fours and a six. The record for the highest scores by Australians in South Africa is held by Greg Blewett (214* in 1997), Adam Gilchrist (204* in 2002), and Herbie Collins (203 in 1921), with Renshaw falling just 10 runs short of joining this elite group.

Key Partnerships in Renshaw's Innings

Renshaw's innings featured crucial partnerships, including an 86-run collaboration for the seventh wicket with captain Pat Cummins, who scored 43 off 98 balls, and a 134-run partnership for the ninth wicket with Nathan Lyon, who contributed 27 runs off 92 balls. This 134-run partnership is now the third-highest for that wicket by an Australian duo in Test history, trailing the 163-run record set by Phil Hughes and Ashton Agar against England in 2013.

Australia's Total and Proteas' Bowling Highlights

With Renshaw's dismissal, Australia had established a solid total of 390 runs. Significant contributions also came from Marnus Labuschagne, who scored 37 runs off 58 balls, and Steve Smith, who added 25 runs off 53 balls. Australia faced early challenges, losing two wickets for just 24 runs after choosing to bat first. For South Africa, Wiaan Mulder was the standout bowler with figures of 4/68, supported by Marco Jansen (3/68) and Anrich Nortje (2/88).

Renshaw's Career Overview

This innings marks Renshaw's highest Test score and his first century in nine years, following a score of 184 against Pakistan in Sydney. Over 16 Tests and 26 innings, the 30-year-old has accumulated 843 runs at an average of 35.12, including two centuries and three fifties. Earlier in September, he also achieved his first ODI century against Zimbabwe. Across all formats, Renshaw has been in good form, amassing 775 runs in 23 matches and 22 innings at an average of 38.75, with two centuries and three fifties.