Renshaw's career-best 190 drags Australia to 390 in Durban

Matt Renshaw scored a career-best 190 to lift Australia from 124-6 to 390 against South Africa in Durban.

It was his first Test century in more than nine years. The left-hander faced 397 balls in a long, patient rescue act that gave Australia something to bowl at BBC Sport.

Australia had closed the rain-shortened opening day in trouble at 187-6 after bad light stopped play early Reuters. They were still wobbling at lunch on the second day on 277-8, with Renshaw unbeaten on 102 ESPNcricinfo.

Renshaw refused to go with them. He added 86 with captain Pat Cummins, who made 43, and then 134 with Nathan Lyon for the ninth wicket. A final stand of 21 with Josh Hazlewood pushed Australia to 390 before Renshaw fell in the first over after tea.

South Africa seamer Mulder finished with 4 for 68 to lead the home attack. South Africa lost opener Ryan Rickelton for a three-ball duck in reply.

The innings rewrites Renshaw's Test story. He burst through as a 20-year-old opener, making 184 against Pakistan in January 2017 in only his fourth Test. He then averaged 19.41 across his next 10 Tests before dropping out of the side.

He earned a recall in August as an opener in place of Jake Weatherald. In Durban he batted at number five after Cameron Green was ruled out. He responded with the longest innings of his life.

There was more upheaval at the top. Nic Maddinson opened alongside Travis Head, Australia's 11th different opening partnership since David Warner retired. Maddinson lasted 33 balls for a duck on day one.

What makes this stand out is the waiting. Nine years is a long time to carry one good start. For fans, this means a familiar name with a fresh role. Renshaw the stranded opener is now Renshaw the middle-order wall.