Australia claimed a dominant 214-run victory over South Africa in the opening Test of their three-match series at Kingsmead in Durban, wrapping up the win on the fifth day.
The visitors posted 390 in their first innings after recovering from a precarious 124 for six. Matt Renshaw was the star, compiling a career-best 190 that rescued Australia and set the tone for the match. Pat Cummins contributed a useful 43, while Wiaan Mulder (4-68) and Marco Jansen (3-68) were the pick of the Proteas bowlers.
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South Africa replied with 284. David Bedingham top-scored with 49, but the hosts never fully recovered from regular breakthroughs. Cummins claimed three wickets for 54.
Australia then declared their second innings on 314 for six, setting South Africa a target of 421. Renshaw again led the way with a brisk 82, supported by Nic Maddinson’s 48. Anrich Nortje and Keshav Maharaj each took two wickets.
Chasing a huge total, South Africa were bowled out for 206. Aiden Markram offered the main resistance with a determined 75 off 237 balls, batting for nearly six hours, while Bedingham made 46. Josh Hazlewood tore through the lower order with career-best figures of 6 for 49, sealing the win. Renshaw also chipped in with two wickets, including the dismissal of captain Temba Bavuma.
Renshaw was named player of the match for his outstanding all-round contribution of 272 runs and two wickets.
The result handed Australia a 1-0 lead in the series and ended South Africa’s 12-match unbeaten run in Tests. It was also Bavuma’s first defeat as captain after 11 wins and a draw in his previous 12 matches in charge.
Proteas coach Shukri Conrad admitted he wanted to see more fight from his side, while Bavuma acknowledged mental lapses and praised Australia’s lower-order resistance. The second Test begins on Sunday at St George’s Park in Gqeberha.
