Pat Cummins, Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne
Australia tightened their grip on the first Test against South Africa in Durban, leaving the hosts needing another 319 runs with six wickets in hand to pull off a remarkable victory on Day 5. Matt Renshaw continued his outstanding match with an aggressive 82, while Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins struck crucial blows to put Australia firmly in control. After securing a 106-run first-innings lead, Australia declared their second innings at 314/6 to set South Africa a daunting target of 421. The hosts reached 102/4 at stumps, with Aiden Markram unbeaten on 45 and Wiaan Mulder alongside him, as Australia moved within six wickets of victory.
Matt Renshaw, Pat Cummins power Australia to 420-run lead
Australia began Day 4 in a commanding position and continued to pile on the runs. Nic Maddinson provided an attacking start with 48 off just 38 balls, while Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne helped extend the lead before both fell in the morning session. Renshaw then took charge, adding 48 runs with Alex Carey and 65 with Beau Webster. The left-hander followed his first-innings 190 with a fluent 82 off 99 balls before Keshav Maharaj dismissed him with an excellent return catch. Cummins provided the late fireworks, smashing four sixes in an unbeaten 32 off just 12 deliveries. Australia added 140 runs in 22 overs during the second session before declaring at 314/6, setting South Africa a target of 421.
Hazlewood, Renshaw and Cummins leave South Africa in trouble
South Africa's chase suffered an early setback when Hazlewood removed Ryan Rickelton. However, Markram and David Bedingham resisted Australia's attack for nearly 20 overs, putting together a stubborn partnership that threatened to frustrate the visitors. Hazlewood eventually broke through by trapping Bedingham leg before wicket for 46. Renshaw then made another contribution with the ball, dismissing South Africa captain Temba Bavuma to leave the hosts under pressure. Cummins added to South Africa's troubles by dismissing Tristan Stubbs after a series of short deliveries set up the breakthrough. Markram and Mulder survived the remaining overs to take South Africa to 102/4 at stumps.
South Africa face a daunting final-day challenge
South Africa need another 319 runs on Day 5, with six wickets remaining, to chase down the target of 421. Markram's unbeaten 45 gives the hosts some hope, but Australia will be confident of finishing the job after a dominant fourth day. Hazlewood led the attack with two wickets, while Cummins and Renshaw chipped in with one each. Australia now need six more wickets to secure victory, while South Africa must produce a substantial batting effort to keep the Test alive.
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Brief scores: Australia 390 (Matt Renshaw 190; Wiaan Mulder 4/68) and 314/6 declared (Matt Renshaw 82, Nic Maddinson 48; Anrich Nortje 2/56) lead South Africa 284 and 102/4 (David Bedingham 46, Aiden Markram 45*; Josh Hazlewood 2/20) by 319 runs.
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