Sports · Cricket · 2 hrs ago
Australia close in on victory after taking control of Durban Test
Australia are in a strong position against South Africa in a Test match at Kingsmead in Durban.
After taking control of the game, Australia scored quickly in their second innings and set South Africa a target of 421.
Matt Renshaw made 82 and later took the wicket of South Africa captain Temba Bavuma with his bowling.
Pat Cummins also dismissed Tristan Stubbs late in the day.
South Africa finished day four 319 runs behind, with six wickets still in hand.
Aiden Markram was unbeaten on 45, leaving him as a key batter for South Africa on the final day.
Steve Smith was struck on the helmet and is being assessed under concussion protocols, which may affect his availability for the second Test.
Australia took control of the Durban Test and left South Africa needing 319 runs to win on the final day, with six wickets in hand.
Matt Renshaw scored 82 more runs on day four and dismissed South Africa captain Temba Bavuma with an off-spinner.
Australia set a target of 421 after scoring quickly in its second innings.
Pat Cummins dismissed Tristan Stubbs before stumps.
Aiden Markram was unbeaten on 45 at the close, while Steve Smith was being assessed under concussion protocols after a blow to the helmet.
- Who
- Australia and South Africa, led by Pat Cummins and Temba Bavuma respectively.
- What
- Australia took control of the Durban Test and set South Africa a target of 421.
- When
- Day four; the article was published on 12 October 2026.
- Where
- Kingsmead, Durban.
- Why
- Australia built a 421-run target with an aggressive second innings and took South African wickets.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Australia maintained control after Matt Renshaw began rebuilding its first innings.
Australia scored at 4.65 runs per over as it built its second-innings lead.
Australia scored at 6.36 runs per over and set South Africa a target of 421.
Renshaw dismissed Temba Bavuma, and Pat Cummins removed Tristan Stubbs before stumps.
South Africa was 319 runs behind with six wickets in hand, and Aiden Markram was unbeaten on 45.
- Target
- 421 runs
- South Africa's deficit
- 319 runs
- South Africa's wickets in hand
- 6
- Matt Renshaw's additional day-four runs
- 82
- Aiden Markram's score at stumps
- 45 not out
- Venue
- Kingsmead, Durban
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A record target set for the hosts in Durban, and the Aussies are closing in on a 1-0 series lead. Our wrap of a "dominant" day four in the first Test! Hear every ball of Australia's tour of South Africa, live and ad free, on ABC listen: https://t.co/jipkFDNPpX #SAvAUS
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