Australia Close In on Victory in Durban Test
Australia moved into a commanding position against South Africa at the end of Day 4 of the first Test in Durban, with the hosts still needing 319 runs and having only six wickets remaining in their pursuit of a daunting 421-run target.
Renshaw Shines Again as Australia Declare
Australia resumed on 33 without loss and attacked throughout the day before declaring their second innings at 314 for six, setting South Africa 421 to win.
Matt Renshaw followed his first-innings 190 with another valuable contribution, scoring 82 from 99 balls. His innings included seven fours and two sixes.
Nic Maddinson struck 48 from 38 deliveries, while Marnus Labuschagne added 37 and Steve Smith made 27.
Captain Pat Cummins then accelerated late in the innings, smashing an unbeaten 32 from just 12 balls. Beau Webster finished unbeaten on 39.
South Africa Slip to 102 for Four
South Africa’s chase began badly when Ryan Rickelton fell for two with the score on seven.
David Bedingham counter-attacked with 46, but Josh Hazlewood trapped him lbw before the close.
Renshaw then added a maiden Test wicket to his outstanding match, dismissing South Africa captain Temba Bavuma for one.
Cummins removed Tristan Stubbs shortly afterwards, leaving the hosts in deeper trouble.
Markram Holds Firm Before Stumps
Aiden Markram resisted Australia’s attack and reached stumps unbeaten on 45 from 115 deliveries.
South Africa closed on 102 for four after 41 overs, still 319 runs short of victory.
Australia now require six wickets on the final day to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match ICC World Test Championship series.
