Welcome to IOL Sport’s live coverage of Day of the first Test between the Proteas and Australia at Kingsmead.
DAY 3: Final session
WICKET!! Nortje c Smith b Webster 16 (South Africa 284 all out)
The Proteas’ last wicket resistance has come to an end. Anrich Nortje edges the ball to first slip where Steve Smith takes another catch to extend his world record.
WICKET!! Maharaj c Cummins b Starc 34 (South Africa 249/9)
The resistance comes to end, Maharaj chips meekly to Pat Cummins at mid-off.
50-RUN PARTNERSHIP (Maharaj 32*, Harmer 17*)
South Africa’s spin twins Keshav Maharaj and Simon Harmer are putting together an excellent rearguard action for their team. Proteas: 247/8
Proteas wicket-keeper Kyle Verreyene departs.
DAY 3: Tea (South Africa 232/8 trail Australia 152 runs)
Proteas avoid follow-on amid rapid momentum swings at Kingsmead
The afternoon session at Kingsmead delivered high-octane Test match drama on the third day of the opening Test against Australia. South Africa initially found mid-innings stability through a fluid 50-run partnership between Tristan Stubbs (32) and Wiaan Mulder (30).
However, Australian skipper Pat Cummins broke the back of the Proteas’ middle order with a relentless short-pitched barrage, removing both set batters via targeted bouncers.
Australia threatened to wrap up the tail rapidly when Nathan Lyon found the edge of Kyle Verreynne’s bat – plucked low to his right by a diving Steve Smith at first slip – and Josh Hazlewood had Marco Jansen caught off a mistimed pull after a quickfire 26 off 20 balls. The double strike triggered a collapse from 197/6 to 197/8.
Crucially, Jansen’s boundary blitz ensured South Africa crossed the 191-run follow-on threshold in pursuit of Australia’s first innings total of 390. Keshav Maharaj (23*) and Simon Harmer (17*) then staged an invaluable 39-run rearguard action, surviving a vicious Mitchell Starc short ball that struck Maharaj on the glove, as well as an unsuccessful Australian review for caught behind off Harmer, to carry the Proteas through to the closing minutes of the session on 238/8 – with the deficit standing at 152.
By: Rohan Callaghan
WICKET!! Jansen c Head b Hazlewood 26 (197/8)
Proteas now in deep, deep trouble in the afternoon at Kingsmead.
WICKET!! Verreynne c Smith b Lyon 13 (SA 197/7)
‘Oh my God, Smudge!” Marnus Labuschagne reacts to Steve Smith’s second catch off a reverse-sweep.
WICKET !! Stubbs c Cummins b Starc 32 (SA 162-6)
The Proteas lose another big wicket. Stubbs caught down at fine-leg and Proteas now in real trouble.
WICKET!! Mulder c Carey b Cummins 30 (SA 155-5)
The Proteas were buidling a partnership between Stubbs and Mulder, who had just taken down part-time Travis Head.
But just when they were looking to push, Australia’s captain Pat Cummins sent down a bouncer which Mulder tried to pull out of, but only managed to edge behind.
DAY 3: Second session
Some valuable runs for the Proteas after lunch. Eleven runs off Nathan Lyon’s over, boundaries for Stubbs and Mulder. – SA 138/4 (Stubbs 24*, Mulder 19*)
DAY 3: LUNCH – South Africa 115/4
Proteas under siege at Kingsmead as Australia turn the screws
South Africa walked off for lunch under heavy strain at 115/4 after an extended two-and-a-half-hour opening session on day three of the first Test against Australia at Kingsmead on a baking Durban morning. The Proteas still face a steep 275-run deficit after the visitors’ first-innings total of 390.
The first hour belonged entirely to the home side. Resuming in 29/1 on a surface offering variable bounce, David Bedingham and Aiden Markram launched a spirited counter-attack, putting on 57 runs for the second wicket. Markram was pristine through the covers on his way to 37, while Bedingham took the fight directly to Mitchell Starc — ripping three consecutive boundaries off the Australian quick in a single over to race to 48.
Lunch, Day 3! 🍜
#TheProteas head into the lunch break on 115/4 after 38 overs, still trailing Australia by 275 runs on the first innings. 🏏🇿🇦
However, Australia completely dominated the remaining 90 minutes as the Kingsmead surface baked under the midday sun. Starc broke the stand by tempting Markram into an edged drive to slip. Nathan Lyon then put a stranglehold contro l— bowling a marathon spell of 22/1 off 10 overs – before inducing an edge off Temba Bavuma’s bat as the skipper fell for 3 attempting a sweep that Steve Smith punched at leg slip.
Proteas batter David Bedingham walks off despondently after being dismissed for 49.
With the session extended to 11.45am to make up for lost time, Cummins returned in the 31st over and drew Bedingham into playing away from his body on 48. The resulting edge flew to the slip cordon, where Smith launched himself into a sensational, full-extension diving catch — a historic milestone as Smith set the world record for the most outfield Test catches.
High drama unfolded in the final action before the interval when Lyon thought he had a second wicket. Wiaan Mulder was given out caught by Marnus Labuschagne, but third-umpire replays revealed the ball had touched the ground before being gathered, granting the Proteas a crucial reprieve.
Tristan Stubbs (13*) and Mulder (6*) safely left the field at 115/4, leaving the home side facing a monumental rebuilding effort when session two gets under way.
The Proteas dominated the first hour, adding 52 runs in just 10 overs without the loss of a wicket, but then the Aussies roared back with three wickets in the second 80 minutes in this extended first session.
By: Rowan Callaghan
REVIEW!!
Wiaan Mulder survives a catch at slip by Marnus Labuschagne. Replays show the ball to be touchig the ground.
WICKET!! Bedingham c Smith b Cummins 49 (99/4)
Australia taking control of this first Test now, third wicket of the morning, and another excellent catch by Steve Smith to send David Bedingham back to the pavillion.
Nathan Lyon celebrates the dismissal of Proteas captain Temba Bavuma.
WICKET !! Bavuma c Smith b Lyon 3 (SA 93-3)
Oh no! The Proteas captain is gone, having attempted a reverse-sweep. Steve Smith does excellently at first slip, anticipates the shot, moved towards his right, and takes the catch.
Big blow struck by the Aussies!
WICKET!! Markram c Renshaw b Starc 37 (SA 84-2)
Aiden Markram chases a wide delivery from Mitchell Starc, and edges it to Matt Renshaw in the slip cordon.
New batter for the Proteas is captain Temba Bavuma.
Mitchell Starc has tasted success on Day 3 at Kingsmead.
4, 4, 4 – SA 79/1 (Bedingham 44*, Markram 33*)
David Bedingham is looking good shape on the third morning. After being worked over by Pat Cummins early on, the Proteas No 3 has struck some sublime boundaries.
He has taken three consecutive fours off Mitchell Starc, scoring on both sides of the wicket, through a cover, leg-side flick, and square drive.
The Proteas have added 52 runs in 10 overs at 5.2 runs per over this morning.
Kingsmead’s No 1 Roy Goa, known affectionately as “Uncle Roy,” will be hoping the Proteas can bat for a long time on Day 3.
DAY 2, STUMPS
A complete contrast to the opener on Friday, the second day belonged entirely to Australia, courtesy of Matt Renshaw’s career-best 190 and Nathan Lyon’s stubborness.
Here is IOL Sport’s Zaahier Adams take on the day’s proceedings…
Matt Renshaw owned Day 2 with a superb 190 to put Australia in control of the first Test against the Proteas at Kingsmead.
Renshaw’s epic 190 and record Lyon stand leave Proteas with mountain to climb at Kingsmead
First Test, Day 2, Stumps
South Africa: 27/1 (Markram 15*, Bedingham 12*, Hazlewood 1/9)
Australia: 390 all out (Renshaw 190, Cummins 43, Lyon 27, Mulder 4/68, Jansen 3/68)
South Africa trail by 363 runs
Australia seized complete control of the first Test at Kingsmead on Saturday as Matt Renshaw produced a career-defining innings of 190 and shared a record-breaking ninth-wicket partnership with Nathan Lyon to put the Proteas firmly on the back foot heading into Sunday’s third day.
Resuming on 187/6, the tourists looked vulnerable when South Africa removed captain Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc early on the second morning. At 230/8, with the second new ball still relatively fresh, the Proteas appeared poised to wrap up the innings and secure a significant first-innings advantage.
Instead, Renshaw and Lyon turned the match.
The players were asked to come off the field due to bad light before the the umpires called stumps on Day 2. We were 27-1 after 8.4 overs before the call was made.
Batting with immense patience and control, the left-handed Renshaw gradually wore down the South African attack, mixing stubborn defence with the occasional scoring opportunity. Lyon played the perfect supporting role, contributing 27 runs in a stand worth 134 that shattered the Australian record for the ninth wicket against South Africa in Test cricket.
The partnership transformed the complexion of the contest.
From a position of danger at 230/8, Australia surged to 364 before Lyon was trapped lbw by Marco Jansen. By then, however, the damage had been done.
Renshaw continued his resistance until shortly after tea, eventually edging Simon Harmer to slip for a magnificent 190 off 397 deliveries, an innings featuring 21 fours and lasting nearly eight hours. It was the 30-year-old’s highest Test score, surpassing his previous best of 184 against Pakistan nearly a decade ago.
Matt Renshaw 👏
A special knock puts the visitors in charge 🇦🇺⭐️
📺 Stream #SAvAUS on DStv: https://t.co/rM90YyQxaw https://t.co/UGTVnE5Hcn
Australia were eventually dismissed for 390, a remarkable recovery after being reduced to 124/6 on the opening day. Renshaw had also shared a crucial 86-run stand with Cummins, but it was his record-breaking alliance with Lyon that ultimately broke South Africa’s grip on the match.
To make matters worse for the hosts, Australia’s pace attack immediately struck with the new ball when Ryan Rickelton offered up a loose stroke outside the off-stump to offer Beau Webster a simple chance in the slip cordon.
There were further alarms for the Proteas when Australia opted to review an LBW decision against Aiden Markram, but fortunately for the hosts, the television replays showed that the ball had taken a thick inside edge off the Proteas’ opener’s bat.
At the close, South Africa were 27/1, still trailing by 363 runs, with Aiden Markram and David Bedingham tasked with leading the response when play resumes on Sunday.
After dominating large periods of the opening day, the Proteas now find themselves under considerable pressure. Unless their top order can produce a response to match Renshaw’s defiance, Australia will head into the third day believing they have already taken a decisive step towards victory at Kingsmead.
By: Zaahier Adams
Aiden Markram and David Bedingham were at the crease for the Proteas when bad light brought an early close to play on Day 2.
DAY 2: SESSION 3: BAD LIGHT STOPS PLAY
South Africa: 25-1 (Markram 15*, Bedingham 10*)
The floodlights are on, but its still not enough as the players are forced off the field early for the second successive day at Kingsmead.
Aiden Markram and David Bedingham have settled the Proteas dressingroom after Ryan Rickelton’s early demise.
WICKET!! Rickelton c Webster b Hazlewood 0 (SA 0/1; Australia 390 all out)
The worst possible start for the Proteas. Ryan Rickelton flashes outside the off stump, gets an edge and is comfortably taken by Beau Webster in the slip cordon.
WICKET!! Renshaw c Markram b Harmer 190 (Australia 390 all out)
The vigil finally comes to a close. Simon Harmer finally gets into the act, has Matt Renshaw caught at slip attempting a drive. Harmer is elated with his his first wicket of the Test, but all the Proteas run across to congratulate Renshaw on a most spectacular innings under the circumstances.
Australia were 124/6 yesterday, they now close out their innings on 390. Renshaw leaves the outfield to a standing ovation from the Kingsmead crowd.
DAY 2: SESSION 2: TEA
Australia 390/9 (Renshaw 190,* Mulder 4/68, Jansen 3/68)
Another session in favour of Australia with the tourists losing just the one wicket of Nathan Lyon. Matt Renshaw is still playing superbly, and have moved to his highest score in Test cricket.
An uphill battle for the Proteas now.
WICKET!! Lyon lbw Jansen 27 (Australia 364/9)
Finally, the Proteas break this frustrating partnership. Marco Jansen gets through Nathan Lyon and traps his LBW. But Lyon can be proud his work, he did a superb job with Matt Renshaw, and may just have turned this match entirely in Australia’s favour.
Marco Jansen got the breakthrough in the second session ending the 134-run partnership between Renshaw and Lyon.
Matt Renshaw continues to pile on the misery for the Proteas. He moves 150 and is grinding the home team into the Kingsmead dirt.
RECORD
Highest 9th-wicket partnership at Kingsmead between Lyon and Renshaw. Surpass Mark Boucher and Fanie de Villiers’ 86-run stand at this ground in 1998.
BANG!
Anrich Nortje is bringing the heat here in the afternoon, and has delivered a barrage of bouncers to Matt Renshaw. He eventually hits the gritty left-hander on the helmet, and the medics are called.
Fortunately, he’s okay, and carry on batting for Australia after receiving some treatment.
A resilient second Test ton for Matt Renshaw in Durban 💪
Australia have moved past 300, and are putting their side in a really good position in the first Test.
Australia 288/8 (Renshaw 113*, Lyon 7*, 99 overs)
50 partnership
Renshaw and Lyon continue Australia’s resurgence after lunch combing for a 50 partnership.
Renshaw (39) scored the bulk of the runs as the South Africans continue to toil at Kingsmead.
LUNCH: DAY 2: Australia 277/8 (Renshaw 102*, Lyon 7*, 96 overs)
The first morning of the second day has belonged to the tourists, and more specifically Matt Renshaw. A second Test century for the left-hander and one he will surely cherish.
IOL Sport’s Rowan Callaghan is at Kingsmead, and here’s his lunch report…
Matt Renshaw celebrates his second Test century at Kingsmead on Saturday.
Renshaw leads Australian fightback with superb ton
DURBAN – A magnificent, marathon century from Matt Renshaw powered an Australian fightback on Day 2 of the first Test, guiding the visitors to a commanding 277/8 at lunch at Kingsmead Stadium and leaving South Africa with plenty of work to do.
Resuming on an overcast morning after Friday’s early close, the Proteas made early inroads with the second new ball through Wiaan Mulder. The all-rounder struck twice to end a threatening partnership, bowling Australian captain Pat Cummins (43) before seeing off Mitchell Starc (6).
However, with Cummins and Starc already back in the pavilion, Australia’s tail refused to buckle. Renshaw and Nathan Lyon brought up the 250 mark in the 87th over, remaining stubborn as opening new-ball spells from Mulder and Anrich Nortje failed to make further breakthroughs.
Seeking a way through the frustrating ninth-wicket partnership, Proteas skipper Temba Bavuma reintroduced Marco Jansen to the attack. Yet Renshaw remained entirely unfazed, continuing his masterclass in composure and discipline. In the 93rd over, the left-hander brought up a brilliant century off 204 balls in style, dispatching a boundary to reach the milestone before raising his bat to loud applause from the Kingsmead faithful.
With seam yielding no further success, Bavuma turned to spin late in the session. Local favourite Keshav Maharaj was brought back in the 95th over, quickly joined by Simon Harmer to unleash twin spin just before the interval. Though both spinners had found little joy earlier in the match, they were handed one final crack at the tail before lunch.
The Australian pair held firm against the turn, however, navigating through to the break unscathed. With 68 overs still remaining in the day and the pitch still looking moist despite the midday sun, the Proteas face the growing danger that the match is slipping away after having Australia at 120/6 on Day 1.
By: Rowan Callaghan
100!!
Matt Renshaw celebrates reaching a magnificent milestone. The Australian left-hander has battled his way through, and now gets to take in the applause. A magnificent century for the Aussie No 5.
BANTER
The Kingsmead fans have reminded Australia of their last visit to these shores.
Proteas fans at Kingsmead.
WICKET!! Starc b Mulder 6 (Australia 240/8)
Beautiful from Wiaan Mulder. The all-rounder cleans up Mitchell Starc’s stumps with a delivery that nipped just enough from the left-hander. It’s a fourth wicket for Mulder. Can he take his maiden Test five-for?
NEW BALL TAKEN
Marco Jansen takes the second new ball for the Proteas. He will hope to bring the Aussies innings to a close quickly.
DROPPED!
Mitchell Starc gets a lifeline. Cuts hard against Simon Harmer, edges through to wicket-keeper Kyle Verreynne, but the ball comes off his leg and ricochets to Aiden Markram at slip, who cannot adjust and the chance goes abegging.
Sun’s out, spirits up! ☀️🇿🇦
Proteas faithful turned Hollywoodbets Kingsmead into a sea of green and gold ahead of the series opener against Australia — good vibes doing plenty to drown out the concern over a stretched bowling attack heading into this one.
The Proteas finally manage a breakthrough, and its that man again … Wiaan Mulder! The 86-run partnership comes to an end, with Pat Cummins edging Mulder to Aiden Markram in the slip cordon.
200!
Australia continue their progess on Day 2, the tourists bring up their 200 without the loss of a wicket on this second morning.
50 UP!
Renshaw goes to 50, edging a ball from Nortje to the boundary. A fighting knock to get to his third half-century in Test cricket.
Matt Renshaw’s first Test 50 since 2017👏
A nice way for the Aussies to begin day two in Durban!
LIVE >> https://t.co/1TuywYSTbY https://t.co/9fus35oraf
Play begins with overcast conditions greeting the team
Australia resumed their innings at 187/6 with Matt Renshaw and Pat Cummins hoping to continue visitors fight back. Marco Jansen and Anrich Nortje are operating at either ends.
STUMPS, DAY 1: Australia 187/6 (65.2 overs)
The sun was belting down this morning. But now, at only 3:23pm, the players have been taken off the field due to bad light as the clouds have come across bringing a halt to play for the day.
Matt Renshaw and Pat Cummins are still at the crease for Australia.
50 Partnership: Australia 182/6
Renshaw and captain Pat Cummins are busy rebuilding Australia’s innings with a 50-run partnership for the seventh wicket.
The weather has also suddenly changed at Kingsmead. After the morning sunshine, the clouds have now come in and it looks a bit gloomy in the final session.
South Africa’s relentless seam attack blew through Australia’s batting line-up on the opening day of the first Test, claiming all six wickets to leave the visitors reeling at 149/6 at tea at Kingsmead Stadium in Durban.
Having elected to bat first on a surface carrying a distinct green tinge, Australia found no comfort against the Proteas pace trio of Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen and Anrich Nortje, who systematically dismantled the Australian top and middle order.
Mulder set the tone in a lively opening spell, earning his reward when a Proteas review confirmed a faint leg-side edge off Travis Head (9). Jansen doubled the early damage, putting returnee Nic Maddinson out of his misery by removing him for a 33-ball duck to leave Australia at 24/2.
Tea, Day 1! ☕
#TheProteas take the second session as well with another superb bowling performance, claiming three more wickets! 💪🇿🇦
AUS are 149/6 after 53 overs heading into the final session of play after the break. 🏏
Marnus Labuschagne (37) and Steve Smith briefly mounted a counter-attack to lift the score to 67/2, but Mulder struck a hammer blow on the stroke of lunch, trapping Labuschagne lbw. Mulder seemed to be involved in everything good about the Proteas’ efforts, catching Smith (25) off Jansen’s bowling early in the second session to crush any hopes of a post-lunch recovery.
Then came Nortje’s fiery spell to break the middle order. In a devastating 42nd over, the speedster induced an edge from Alex Carey (14) straight to Aiden Markram at slip. Two balls later, Nortje produced an absolute peach of a delivery to send Beau Webster (4) packing, ending the session with impressive figures of 2/26 from 11 overs and leaving Australia’s top six back in the pavilion.
With the pitch baking under the Durban sun, Temba Bavuma introduced spin for the first time late in the session, bringing Keshav Maharaj on to partner Simon Harmer. Matt Renshaw and skipper Pat Cummins managed to hold firm until the interval, guiding Australia to 149/6 after 53 overs.
However, with South Africa’s seamers doing all the heavy lifting and Australia six wickets down, the visitors face an uphill battle to post a competitive first-innings total in the final session.
By: Rowan Callaghan
Alex Carey is Nortje’s first scalp on his Test return 😤🙌
📺 Stream #SAvAUS on DStv: https://t.co/rM90YyQxaw https://t.co/1ygAHO9unI
Beau Webster follows Carey back to the pavilion after facing just two eventful balls from Nortje.
After hitting the first ball for four, Nortje bowls a ball outside the off-stump that holds its line. After initially been given not out, Webster has to go after a successful Proteas review.
WICKET!! Alex Carey c Markram b Nortje 14 (Australia 120/5)
Proteas speedster Anrich Nortje get his reward after a some hostile deliveries at Renshaw and Carey.
Carey plays a short-ball away from his body and edges behind to Aiden Markram at slip.
“Everyone said it’s dangerous, but it’s been awesome!” 🏏 Aussie and UK fans bring total passion to Durban for Day 1 of the Test series! 🇿🇦🇦🇺
#SAvAUS #Proteas #Aussies #IOLSport https://t.co/5k6M9yBlzk
WICKET!! Smith c Mulder b Jansen 25 (Australia 84/4)
The Proteas are now on a roll. A wicket with the last ball before lunch, and now Marco Jansen strikes with the first couple of balls after the interval.
And it’s the big one of Steve Smith, who is caught in the gully by that man Mulder, can’t keep him out of the game.
LUNCH: Australia 84/3 (Labuschagne 37, Smith 25*, Mulder 2/17, Jansen 1/15)
After winning the toss and electing to bat, Australia found the going tough against a disciplined Proteas attack in conditions offering enough assistance to keep the fast bowlers interested.
South Africa’s new-ball pair asked plenty of questions, and the pressure eventually told when Wiaan Mulder trapped Travis Head into edging behind before Marco Jansen removed returning opener Nic Maddinson for a painstaking 33-ball duck.
At 24/2, the Proteas were well on top and sensing a larger collapse. Their bowlers were relentless, with Jansen’s bounce and Anrich Nortje’s pace ensuring Australia never settled into a rhythm.
But Australia absorbed the pressure as Steve Smith (25*)and Marnus Labuschagne came to the rescue. The experienced pair weathered the storm, blunting South Africa’s attack with patience and composure while gradually rebuilding the innings as Smith took the attack to left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj with two sixes in one over.
Mulder, however, came roaring back for the Proteas by trapping Labuschagne (37) with the very last ball before the lunch interval to swing the momentum back in the home team’s favour.
The Proteas will feel much better at the break, knowing one more breakthrough before the ball softens could still expose the Australian middle order.
By: Zaahier Adams
Wicket! 😤
What moment from Mulder, right at the stroke of Lunch! Labuschagne is dismissed! 😎
Australia realise Keshav Maharaj is the dangerman for the Proteas, and the tourists’ leading batter Steve Smith is taking the attack to the left-arm spinner by striking him for two sixes in one over.
The Aussies are looking to shift gears with Smith and Marnus Labuschagne at the crease.
WICKET! Maddison b Jansen 0 (Australia 24/2)
Nic Maddison’s torturous return to Test cricket finally comes to an end. Marco Jansen rearranges his time and Maddison has to depart for a 33-ball duck!
WICKET! Head c Verreynne b Mulder 9 (Australia 17/1)
The Proteas decide to review this time after the ball brushes past Travis Head down the leg-side. The Aussie opener immediately points to his pocket, but Kyle Verreynne is not fazed, and advises captain Temba Bavuma to ask for the review.
Bavuma obliges, and the TV replays shows the ball has taken an edge through to Verryenne.
The Proteas have struck the first blow, and the Mulder experiment works.
Day 1 Vibe At Hollywoodbets Kingsmead! 🏏🇿🇦
We’re bringing you the sights, sounds and excitement of the first Dafabet Test! 🏟️
Still at home? There’s still time to get down to Kingsmead and soak up the atmosphere! 🎟️
The Wiaan Mulder experiement almost works out for the Proteas. Maddison is struck on the pads, and Mulder and the Proteas appeal vociferously.
Captain Temba Bavuma asks the men behind the stumps if height is an issue, and declines to ask for a review.
TV replays indicate that the Mulder’s delivery had pitched in line, and was going on to hit the stumps.
Early left off for the Aussies, and opportunity missed for the Proteas.
NEW BALL SURPRISE
Marco Jansen bowls the first ball of the series, and its a freebie down the leg-side for Australia to get underway with four byes as a sprawling Kyle Verreynne could not get a glove on it.
There is some swing away from the left-handed Maddison for Jansen, but its easily managed.
Proteas captain Temba Bavuma said at the toss that Anrich Nortje had been “bowling at the speed of light” in the nets, but instead its Wiaan Mulder that takes the new ball from the Umgeni End.
For a country that has produced some of the most menacing fast bowlers in the world, its a huge surprise to Mulder and his medium-pacers taking the new ball in the first home Test of the summer.
Is KG Rabada’s absence already being felt?
TOSS: Australia win the toss and opt to bat first
Australia skipper Pat Cummins won the toss and elected to bat first under scorching skies in the opening Test of the Test Series against South Africa at Kingsmead Stadium on Friday.
Despite a visible green tinge across the pitch on a hot Durban morning, the visiting side opted to set a first-innings total, taking on South Africa’s bowling unit early on day one.
The clash marks a highly anticipated return to South African soil for Australia, who are looking to avenge their recent defeat in last year’s World Test Championship final. Cummins acknowledged the history between the two sides while confirming a key change in the Australian line-up due to injury.
“They got the better of us a year ago in the Test Championship,” said Cummins at the toss.
“We haven’t been here in South Africa for a while, but we’re pretty excited. Cameron Green is injured so Nic Maddinson comes back in — he’s really settled where his game’s at. There’s been a bit of a lull the last six months and we can’t wait to get started.”
For South Africa, captain Temba Bavuma was comfortable taking the ball first, looking to capitalise on early morning movement generated by the grassy surface before the pitch bakes under the sun.
“Looks a nice wicket, but we’ll try to exploit whatever moisture is there,” Bavuma noted. “I think with our bowling attack, our twin spinners have added an extra dimension to our bowling attack, so if the conditions suit them, they can come into the game.”
With the surface offering early encouragement for the seamers and twin spinners waiting in the wings for the home side, Australia’s openers face a crucial opening session as the first Test of the series gets under way.
South Africa: Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, David Bedingham, Temba Bavuma (c), Tristan Stubbs, Wiaan Mulder, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Marco Jansen, Simon Harmer, Keshav Maharaj, Anrich Nortje.
Australia: Travis Head, Nic Maddinson, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Matt Renshaw, Alex Carey (wk), Beau Webster, Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood.
A nine-year-old boy has died after he was found underwater at Kleinmond Main Beach Lagoon on Saturday.The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) said its Kleinmond duty crew was activated at 3.12pm following eyewitness reports of a drowning in progress.NSRI rescue swimmers and medics, CMC Critical Care Medical ambulance service, ER24, Overstrand Fire and Rescue Service and the South African Police Service responded to the incident.According to NSRI Kleinmond station commander […]
