Renshaw's 190 Rescues Australia in Durban Test Opener

Matthew Renshaw made a career-best 190 to lift Australia from trouble to 390 all out against South Africa on the second day of the first Test in Durban.

Australia chose to bat first. The decision looked risky when the visitors slipped to 124 for six on the opening day. Renshaw closed that day unbeaten on 46. Then he took control The Guardian.

Renshaw batted at No. 5 after Nic Maddinson was asked to open. He moved steadily through his innings. He reached 50 off 117 balls with four fours. He was last man out just after tea on day two.

Australia were in trouble. Renshaw found help. Captain Pat Cummins made 43 in an 86-run partnership with him. That stand steadied the innings after the early losses.

The bigger rescue came later. Renshaw and Nathan Lyon added 134 for the ninth wicket. In Test cricket, played over five days, that means the eighth dismissal had already fallen and the tail was batting. Lyon made 27 from 92 balls. It stands as Australia’s second-highest ninth-wicket partnership.

For Renshaw, it was a personal landmark. The 190 was his second Test century. It passed his previous career high of 184. Australia reached 200 in 69.3 overs along the way, and the new ball was taken at 80.1 overs during the innings.

South Africa had little time to reply. The hosts were 27 for one after 8.4 overs before stumps. Australia’s 390 therefore gave them a solid first-innings lead to defend Cricket.com.au.

The match in Durban, scheduled for 9-13 October 2026, is billed as the first of three Tests ICC. The first ball was set for 7.30 am GMT. It is also Australia’s first Test in South Africa since the 2018 ball-tampering scandal Reuters.

What makes this stand out is the shape of the recovery. One batter held firm while partners came and went. For fans, this means the contest is finely balanced. South Africa are only one down, but Australia have runs to work with as the pitch wears.