Australia strengthened their position in the first Test against South Africa in Durban after an impressive fourth day left the hosts needing another 319 runs to win with six wickets remaining. A strong batting performance, followed by timely breakthroughs from Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins, put Australia in control heading into the final day.

After securing a first-innings lead of 106 runs, Australia declared their second innings at 314/6, setting South Africa a challenging target of 421. The hosts reached 102/4 at stumps, with Aiden Markram unbeaten on 45 and Wiaan Mulder still at the crease.

Matt Renshaw Continues His Impressive Performance

Matt Renshaw played another important role in Australia’s second innings after scoring an outstanding 190 in the first innings. The left-handed batter followed that effort with an aggressive 82 off 99 balls, helping Australia extend their advantage.

Nic Maddinson also contributed with an attacking 48 off 38 deliveries, giving Australia momentum during the second innings. Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne added further runs before their dismissals.

Renshaw built useful partnerships with Alex Carey and Beau Webster, keeping the scoring rate healthy. His innings ended when South African spinner Keshav Maharaj took a return catch.

Pat Cummins then provided a late burst of scoring, smashing four sixes in an unbeaten 32 off just 12 balls. Australia declared at 314/6, leaving South Africa with a target of 421 runs.

Hazlewood and Cummins Strike at Crucial Moments

South Africa’s chase began poorly when Josh Hazlewood dismissed Ryan Rickelton. However, Aiden Markram and David Bedingham attempted to steady the innings with a determined partnership.

Bedingham scored 46 before Hazlewood trapped him leg before wicket, breaking the stand and giving Australia another important breakthrough.

Matt Renshaw then contributed with the ball by dismissing South African captain Temba Bavuma. Cummins added further pressure when he removed Tristan Stubbs after a spell of short-pitched bowling.

South Africa ended the day at 102/4, leaving Markram and Mulder with the task of rebuilding the innings on the final morning.

South Africa Face a Difficult Final-Day Chase

South Africa require another 319 runs to reach the target of 421, with six wickets remaining. Markram’s unbeaten 45 offers the home side some hope, but Australia will be encouraged by the wickets they have already taken.

Hazlewood has led the attack with two wickets, while Cummins and Renshaw have also contributed to South Africa’s difficulties.

Australia need six more wickets to complete the victory, while South Africa must produce a substantial batting effort to turn the contest around.

Australia vs South Africa 1st Test: Brief Scores

Australia: 390 all out and 314/6 declared

South Africa: 284 all out and 102/4 at stumps

Target: 421 runs

Runs required by South Africa: 319

Wickets remaining: 6

Top performers:

• Matt Renshaw: 190 and 82


• Nic Maddinson: 48


• Pat Cummins: 32 not out


• David Bedingham: 46


• Aiden Markram: 45 not out


• Josh Hazlewood: 2/20 in the second innings

Australia head into Day 5 with the advantage, but South Africa still have six wickets available to attempt a remarkable comeback.

Editorial note: This rewrite follows the supplied match report. Verify the match scorecard, venue, date and player statistics against an official cricket source before publication.