Cummins, Renshaw rescue wobbling Australia

South Africa pacemen prevail before the visitors’ late fight-back with the bat

Pat Cummins and Matt Renshaw mounted a determined late fight-back to guide Australia to 187-6 at stumps on the opening day of the first Test against South Africa at Kingsmead, Durban, on Friday.
Australia, who elected to bat first, struggled against a disciplined South African attack before their captain and Renshaw combined to frustrate the hosts in the final session.
Renshaw was unbeaten on 46 from 115 deliveries, while Cummins had made 33 not out off 72 balls, lifting Australia from a precarious 124-6 to 187-6 when bad light brought an early end to play after 65.2 overs.
The pair added an unbroken 63-run partnership for the seventh wicket, providing Australia with some stability after South Africa had reduced the visitors to six down.
Marco Jansen and Wiaan Mulder claimed two wickets each, while Anrich Nortje also took two wickets to keep Australia under pressure throughout the day.
Australia's top order endured a difficult morning after Travis Head fell for nine, caught behind off Mulder, before Nic Maddinson was dismissed for a duck by Jansen.
Marnus Labuschagne offered resistance with 37 from 58 balls, striking six boundaries, but his dismissal triggered a collapse. He was trapped lbw by Mulder, leaving Australia at 84-3 at lunch.
Steven Smith was removed for 25 in the next over, caught by Mulder off Jansen, as Australia lost two wickets without adding to their score.
Renshaw then attempted to rebuild the innings alongside Alex Carey, who scored 14 before falling to Nortje in the 42nd over. Beau Webster lasted only two deliveries, hitting a boundary before being caught behind off Nortje, leaving Australia struggling at 124-6.
South Africa appeared firmly in control at tea, with Australia having reached 149-6 after 53 overs. However, Cummins and Renshaw resisted the home attack during the final session, denying the bowlers further success.
Jansen finished with 2-35 from 16 overs, while Mulder returned figures of 2-31 from 15 overs. Nortje took 2-40 from 13.2 overs.
Australia will look to build on the late recovery when play resumes on Saturday, with Renshaw and Cummins aiming to extend their partnership and push the total towards a more competitive score.
The five-day showdown is part of the 2026-27 ICC World Test Championship cycle.