Australia declared on 314 for 6 and set South Africa 421 to win the first Test in Durban, then reduced the hosts to 102 for 4 by stumps on day four. Matt Renshaw added 82 to his first-innings 190, and Australia need six more wickets.
Durban, South Africa: Matt Renshaw has now scored 272 runs in a single Test, and on Monday he also took a wicket. The opener, who made 190 in the first innings, added 82 off 99 balls in the second before falling to a return catch off Keshav Maharaj. Then, with the ball, he had Temba Bavuma caught for one, his maiden Test wicket.
A declaration with sixes
Australia began the day 139 ahead after bowling South Africa out for 284, and they used the first two sessions to build a lead that could not be chased. Pat Cummins finished the innings in style, hitting 32 not out from about a dozen balls, including four sixes, before Australia declared at 314 for 6 just before tea. The target of 421 was the largest of the match, and a successful chase would beat the Test record of 418, set by West Indies against Australia in 2003.
Smith takes a blow
The innings carried a scare. Steve Smith was struck on the helmet by an Anrich Nortje bouncer and, although he batted on, he did not take the field after tea. His fitness is being monitored and he is being assessed for concussion, so his availability for the final day is a concern for the tourists.
South Africa lose four before stumps
The chase unravelled quickly. Josh Hazlewood removed Ryan Rickelton and David Bedingham, who made 46. Cummins had Tristan Stubbs caught behind, and Renshaw added Bavuma. At stumps South Africa were 102 for 4, with Aiden Markram on 45 and Wiaan Mulder on five.
Day five
Australia need six wickets for victory. South Africa need 319 runs, and a draw looks a more realistic ambition for them than a world-record chase. Renshaw’s 190 earlier in the match came during a record ninth-wicket stand that carried Australia to 390.
Scores after day four: Australia 390 and 314 for 6 declared (Renshaw 82); South Africa 284 and 102 for 4 (Markram 45*, Bedingham 46; Hazlewood 2 wickets). South Africa need 319 more runs; Australia need six wickets.
Match: First Test, Kingsmead, Durban, day four, Monday 12 October 2026.
