Matt Renshaw’s 190 from 397 balls rescued Australia from 124-6, helping them reach 390 all out in the first Test against South Africa in Durban. His career-best innings put Australia firmly in control on a pitch that flattened out on day two but is expected to offer turn later in the match.
Renshaw’s knock was a rare moment of certainty for Australia’s unsettled batting line-up. The 30-year-old left-hander showed patience and grit, scoring only three boundaries on day one and attacking just 14.2% of deliveries in his first 50 runs, the lowest among Australia’s top order. He kept South Africa’s bowlers at bay, especially in his partnerships with captain Pat Cummins and then with number 10 Nathan Lyon.
After adding 86 runs with Cummins in the morning, Renshaw guided a 134-run stand with Lyon, taking the strike when necessary and shielding Lyon from the pace of Anrich Nortje. He gradually increased his aggression late in the innings, hitting boundaries to wear down the bowlers. He added 21 runs with number 11 Josh Hazlewood before being dismissed in the first over after tea.
Cummins contributed 43 runs, offering support to Renshaw’s marathon innings. South Africa’s Keshav Maharaj took four wickets for 68 runs, but the Proteas' bowling attack struggled to break through once Renshaw settled in.
Early in South Africa’s reply, they were 27-1 with Temba Bavuma dismissed cheaply and Aiden Markram unbeaten on 15. Australia’s Josh Hazlewood took a wicket for just nine runs. The innings was interrupted by bad light after 8.4 overs.
Renshaw’s innings was notable not just for its length and quality but for its timing. Australia have faced questions about their top order for some time, especially after David Warner’s retirement. Renshaw’s career has been uneven; after debuting aged 20, he scored 184 in his fourth Test against Pakistan in 2017 but averaged just 19.41 across ten Tests before being recalled this year.
This innings marked his first Test century in over nine years and was hailed by former Australia batter Simon Katich on SEN Radio, who said, “I like him as a player. When he first came in, I liked him as a player, even though others thought he was too defensive. I think that is what this team has needed and been crying out for.”
Renshaw was moved down to number five for this Test after Cameron Green was ruled out, with Nic Maddinson opening alongside Travis Head. Maddinson, however, made a 33-ball duck on day one, and Australia have tried eleven different opening partnerships since Warner’s retirement.
With Green expected to return and Maddinson struggling, Renshaw’s innings raises questions about where he fits best in the batting order. He could move back up to open alongside Head, who made a surprise but successful switch to opener during the Ashes series. Head has scored centuries in Perth, Adelaide, and Sydney but has recently failed to pass 22 in his last four innings.
Alternatively, Renshaw could remain in the middle order, with Green returning for all-rounder Beau Webster, continuing the search for a settled top order.
The match is a replay of last year’s World Test Championship final won by South Africa. Australia’s innings and Renshaw’s performance place them in a strong position to push for victory on a pitch expected to offer turn as the Test progresses.
According to BBC Sports.
