Australia in command after bowlers hunt as a pack to eke out 106-run lead
Steven Smith backed up the bowlers by claiming four catches, two of them stunning efforts, that lifted him past Joe Root for the most Test catches by a non-wicketkeeper
09/10Live
1st Test, Australia tour of South Africa at Durban, Oct 9-13 2026
-
![Australia]( "Australia")
390 & 48/1 * (7.3 ov) -
![South Africa]( "South Africa")
Current Run Rate
CRR
6.4
Minimum Ov. Rem
Min. Ov. Rem
96.3
09/10Live
1st Test, Australia tour of South Africa at Durban, Oct 9-13 2026
-
![Australia]( "Australia")
390 & 48/1 * (7.3 ov) -
![South Africa]( "South Africa")
Current Run Rate
CRR
6.4
Minimum Ov. Rem
Min. Ov. Rem
96.3
Day 3
Day 2
Renshaw 190 lifts Australia to 390 before Hazlewood strikes
Renshaw received strong support from the lower order, marked by a record 134-run stand with Nathan Lyon
Day 1
Australia struggle as Nortje and Jansen make their mark
The visitors went to stumps at 187 for 6 after the first day's play in Durban
Others
'Oh my god, Smudge' - Smith seizes the ball and the day for Australia
His four catches, including two stunning efforts at slip, helped the visitors take a 106-run lead in Durban
Renshaw's versatility gives Australia options, and a dilemma
His century at No. 5 in Durban has given Australia a boost, but it also gives them another selection puzzle
'It felt a bit easy' - Did South Africa let it drift against Renshaw?
Mulder heaped praise on the Australian batter for scoring 190 but did admit his team could've pushed harder to knock the tail off
A work of art at Kingsmead
The Durban scoring team keep the whiteboard updated in real-time
Inglis to rejoin Australia Test squad after finger injury
The wicketkeeper-batter was injured during the ODI series late last month
Maddinson, Harper added to Australia's Test squad in South Africa
Cameron Green is in doubt for the opening Test after suffering an abdominal injury while Josh Inglis has been ruled out
Nortje says Test dream never died as comeback proves worth the wait
South Africa quick back with a bang in Durban after 1,317-day break between Tests
South Africa punish Australia for familiar batting frailties
A promising morning unravelled in four balls, exposing Australia's continuing uncertainty at the top of the order
South Africa feel the sting instead of taking it out
They played too many shots, got bowled out for 284 and gave up a 106-run lead to Australia
Maddinson's recall raises bigger questions than his first-innings failure
His lack of match practice was always a concern, but his selection has highlighted broader issues with Australia's batting depth
How bad light could shape the South Africa vs Australia Test
Around 45 overs have been lost across three days' play, which needs to be factored into teams' calculations
Nortje: 'I'll be very excited if I can put my Test cap on again'
Having played his last Test in 2023, he's eyeing a spot in SA's side for upcoming three-Test series against Australia at home
Connolly or Maddinson? Australia keep their cards close to the chest
Meanwhile, Cummins has urged his team to be ready to play the long game
Cummins unfazed by potential revelations from Khawaja's autobiography
Cummins says Australia have "moved on" from the Sandpapergate scandal, and that he has answered every question on the topic "a million times"
Kagiso Rabada ruled out of first Australia Test
Anrich Nortje will be a part of South Africa's Test XI for the first time since March 2023, which will also feature two spinners in Keshav Maharaj and Simon Harmer
The long wait and low expectations of Test cricket in South Africa
Ticket sales for day one and day three of the Durban Test against Australia are just over 7500 with over 8000 sold for Saturday
Harmer ready for battle as SA's spin test takes a twist
Harmer expects Keshav Maharaj, rather than himself, to pose the bigger threat to Australia's left-handers as South Africa prepare to unleash their spin attack in Durban
Rabada puts himself through the paces as South Africa weigh Test return
Two days ahead of the first Test against Australia, Rabada initially bowled off two paces and then moved to nine, and looked relaxed throughout.
How a changed perspective sparked Renshaw's cricketing rebirth
After years of setbacks and self-imposed pressure, a new outlook has given Renshaw the balance to embrace an unexpected three-format international comeback
Cameron Green ruled out of first Test vs South Africa
Green suffered the injury during Australia's third ODI against South Africa
Rabada's availability for first Australia Test to be decided 'as late as possible'
The fast bowler has not played red-ball cricket in almost a year since South Africa's tour to Pakistan last October
Australia bat, bring in Maddinson after a decade
Maddinson is slotted to open while South Africa had named their XI a day before the Test
World Test Championship final rematch could shape next year's decider
After a gap of eight years, the two sides meet on South African soil with plenty on the line