Matt Renshaw's career-best 190 lifts Australia to 390 in Durban as South Africa close day two on 27-1

Matt Renshaw turned a shaky start into a commanding position for Australia on day two of the first Test against South Africa in Durban. The left-hander made a career-best 190 and added a record 134 for the ninth wicket with Nathan Lyon as Australia, 187-6 overnight, were bowled out for 390 at Kingsmead on Saturday 10 October. Josh Hazlewood then removed Ryan Rickelton for a duck, and South Africa reached 27-1 before bad light ended play. The hosts trail by 363 runs with nine wickets left.

Renshaw's long-awaited second hundred

Renshaw resumed on 46 and reached his second Test century in the morning session, off 204 balls. It came nine years after his first. He pushed on past 150 off 311 balls and was finally caught at slip off spinner Simon Harmer in the 138th over, having faced 397 balls and hit 21 fours and a six.

He lost partners steadily early on. Captain Pat Cummins, who had helped him rebuild on the first evening, was caught at second slip by Aiden Markram off Wiaan Mulder. Mitchell Starc was bowled by Mulder for 6. Australia were 277-8 at lunch.

Lyon digs in for a record stand

Instead, Lyon dug in alongside Renshaw. The off-spinner scored only 27, but he batted for 92 balls while Renshaw scored freely at the other end. Their partnership of 134 from 283 balls is the highest ninth-wicket stand at Kingsmead and Australia's second-best for the ninth wicket. Marco Jansen finally trapped Lyon lbw in the 129th over. Renshaw and Hazlewood then added a further 26 before the innings ended shortly after tea.

South Africa's bowlers toil

Mulder was the pick of the home attack with 4-68 from 27 overs. Jansen took 3-68 from 31 overs, including nine maidens, and Anrich Nortje finished with 2-88 from 28 overs on his return to Test cricket after three and a half years. Harmer claimed the key wicket of Renshaw. South Africa were without Kagiso Rabada for the match.

Hazlewood strikes early

South Africa's reply started badly. Rickelton lasted three balls before edging Hazlewood to Beau Webster. Markram (15 not out) and David Bedingham (12 not out) then survived to stumps after 8.4 overs, when the umpires took the players off for bad light. With Australia's total now on the board, the hosts will need a big batting effort on day three to stay in the contest.

WTC rematch and what comes next

The series is a rematch of the World Test Championship final, which South Africa won to become reigning champions. Australia currently top the WTC standings with South Africa second. The first Test runs until Tuesday 13 October. The second Test is in Gqeberha from 18 to 22 October, followed by the third in Cape Town from 27 to 31 October.

Key takeaways

• Matt Renshaw scored a career-best 190 from 397 balls, his second Test hundred.
• Renshaw and Nathan Lyon added 134 for the ninth wicket, a Kingsmead record.
• Australia were all out for 390; Wiaan Mulder took 4-68 and Marco Jansen 3-68.
• South Africa were 27-1 at stumps on day two, trailing by 363.
• The three-Test series continues in Gqeberha on 18 October.

FAQ

What is the score in the first Test between South Africa and Australia? At stumps on day two, South Africa were 27-1 in reply to Australia's 390, trailing by 363 runs.

How many did Matt Renshaw score? Renshaw made 190 off 397 balls with 21 fours and one six, his highest Test score.

When are the next Tests in the series? The second Test is in Gqeberha from 18 to 22 October and the third in Cape Town from 27 to 31 October 2026.

Sources: ICC, cricket.com.au, Yardbarker, News24