Australia reach 187-6 after top-order struggles against South Africa

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  Australia ended the first day of the opening Test against South Africa in Durban at 187 for 6 after bad light stopped play.

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  Nic Maddinson, recalled to the Test side after almost 10 years away, was out for a 33-ball duck, the longest duck by an Australian Test opener.

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  Maddinson was given an early reprieve when South Africa chose not to review an lbw appeal that replays showed would have resulted in his dismissal.

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  Marnus Labuschagne made 37, while Steve Smith scored 25, before both were dismissed around the lunch interval.

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  Matt Renshaw was unbeaten on 46 and Pat Cummins on 33, having put on an unbroken 63-run stand to steady Australia at 124 for 6.

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  Maddinson’s selection and Australia’s lack of younger players in the XI drew scrutiny, while the articles differed in how they described his recent first-class record.

Who

Australia and South Africa, in the first Test; Nic Maddinson, Matt Renshaw and Pat Cummins were among the key Australian players.

What

Australia reached 187 for 6 on day one, with Renshaw and Cummins unbeaten after a difficult batting performance.

When

Friday, 9 October 2026; day one of the five-day Test.

Where

Durban, South Africa.

Why

Bad light ended play; the articles do not state a specific reason for the stoppage beyond the conditions.

This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.