Matt Renshaw delivered another impressive performance as Australia moved closer to victory in the first Test against South Africa at Kingsmead on Monday. South Africa reached 102 for four at stumps on the fourth day while chasing a challenging target of 421 runs. Australia now need six more wickets to secure the win.
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Renshaw followed his first-innings 190 with an aggressive 82 from 99 balls. He struck seven fours and two sixes as Australia scored 314 for six in 58 overs before declaring their second innings. His contribution gave Australia enough time to attack South Africa’s batting lineup.
Australia’s bowlers made early breakthroughs during the chase. Josh Hazlewood dismissed two batters before Renshaw claimed his first Test wicket by removing South African captain Temba Bavuma. Pat Cummins then dismissed Tristan Stubbs, leaving the hosts in a difficult position heading into the final day.
Renshaw nearly completed another century but fell to a remarkable juggling return catch by Keshav Maharaj. Meanwhile, Nic Maddinson scored 48 before Anrich Nortje bowled him with a fast yorker. Nortje also dismissed Alex Carey and struck Steve Smith on the helmet with a bouncer. Cummins added an unbeaten 32 from just 12 balls before declaring.
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South Africa’s Aiden Markram remained unbeaten on 45 from 115 balls at the close. Maharaj acknowledged that some batters had fallen to avoidable dismissals and suggested the team’s 11-month gap between Test matches may have affected their match awareness. Australia will aim to finish the job on Tuesday, while South Africa face a steep challenge to keep the match alive.