Australia is heading toward a commanding victory in the first Test against South Africa at Kingsmead in Durban after another dominant day of play.
Australia batted first, racing to 314/6 declared in just 58 overs. Matt Renshaw contributed 82 runs while Nic Maddinson added 48 from 38 balls, according to live match updates from The Guardian.
With the ball, Australia’s attack has worn down South Africa’s batting lineup significantly. South Africa’s second innings saw only two batters reach double figures: Aiden Markram on 45 not out and David Bedingham with 46. Bedingham was dismissed by Josh Hazlewood, who has taken 2 wickets and has been described as the pick of Australia’s bowlers.
Renshaw has had a standout match on both sides of the ball. He claimed his first Test wicket when South African captain Temba Bavuma was caught at short leg off Renshaw’s bowling. Renshaw later added to his impact by bowling as a part-time spinner, taking figures of 7-1-16-1 in his spell.
South Africa reached 102-4 by the end of play on day four. Markram has been the most resolute South African batsman, playing a predominantly defensive innings. According to the match report, Markram averages 63 in Tests against Australia, nearly double his overall Test average of 32.20.
Pat Cummins also contributed to Australia’s bowling dominance, dismissing Zanders Stubbs after pushing him back with a series of back-of-a-length deliveries before slipping in a fuller, wider delivery that Stubbs chased, edging to wicketkeeper Alex Carey.
Australia has taken three wickets for 13 runs in their last 10.1 overs, accelerating their path to victory. The match report indicates that barring a miracle, Australia should secure a massive victory on day five.
Key facts
- Australia declared at 314/6 in 58 overs, with Matt Renshaw scoring 82 and Nic Maddinson 48
- South Africa reached 102-4 in their second innings by day four’s close
- Matt Renshaw took his first Test wicket (Temba Bavuma) and bowled effectively as part-time spinner
- Only two South African batsmen reached double figures: Markram (45 not out) and Bedingham (46)
- Aiden Markram averages 63 in Tests against Australia, nearly double his overall average of 32.20
- Josh Hazlewood has taken 2 wickets and has been the standout bowler for Australia