Live Update: Australia struggles as Nortje and Jansen make a name for themselves. The visitors slumped to 187 for 6 after the first day of play in Durban. The three that matter: Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah are all smiling after Pat Cummins’ dismissal. The three that count: Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah, all smiles after Pat Cummins’ dismissal, India vs Australia, World Cup, Chennai, October 8. 2023 on The Smile of a Champion – Mohammed Siraj picked up five wickets in a ten-ball game, India v Sri Lanka, Asia Cup Final, Colombo, September 17, 2023 Alyssa Healy poses with the trophy after Australia retained the Ashes, England v Australia, 3rd ODI, Women’s Ashes, Taunton, July 18, 2023 A general view of Sawai Mansingh Stadiums, Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, 3 match, Jaipur, October 17, 2006 A general view of the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, Punjab Kings vs. Delhi Citals, IPL 2024, Mullanpur, March 23, 2024 Haryana Cricket Association Bansi Lal Stadium in Lahli, Haryana vs. Rajasthan, 1st semi-final, Ranji Trophy 2011-12, Rohtak, Day 1, 10 January 2012 Matt Renshaw is tested by the bouncer after lunch, South Africa v Australia, 1st Test, Day 1, Durban, 9 October 2026 Stumps Australia 187 for 6 (Renshaw 46*, Labuschagne 37, Cummins 33*, Mulder 2-31) against South Africa Nic Maddinson’s shock selection as an opener batted failed, but Matt Renshaw’s move to the middle order paid dividends for a revamped Australian batting order on a fascinating first day of this highly anticipated Test series.
Since the Sandper scandal in 2018, Australia’s return to Test cricket in South Africa may not have seen on-field and off-field fireworks befitting the rivalry. Nonetheless, there was an exciting battle in front of a handful of fans, like so many previous games between the teams. Australia’s under-pressure batting order struggled greatly on day one with South Africa’s disciplined attack on a Kingsmead surface that provided extra bounce and movement.
They were in deep trouble at 124 for 6 after familiar losing streaks when Maddinson fell for a 33-ball duck while Marnus Labuschagne and Steven Smith were dismissed either side of lunch. But Renshaw showed courage and strong technique to thwart South Africa’s rise after moving to the top. 5 after Maddinson’s surprise selection early in the game.
He had previously held this position only four times during the 2023 tour of India with modest results. Renshaw had returned to Test cricket as an opener against Bangladesh in August but peared to relish the opportunity to score 46 in 115 balls. He received strong support from skipper Pat Cummins, with the two men forming an unbroken 63-run partnership before poor lighting ended a day’s play in which just 65.2 overs were bowled.
South Africa were playing their first Test match in almost a year and were frustrated by the seventh-wicket partnership and the umpires’ decision to suspend play 50 minutes into the final session. Their close attack constantly threatened Marco Jansen, Wiaan Mulder and Anrich Nortje, who returned to Test cricket after three and a half years, taking two wickets each. Spinners Keshav Maharaj and Simon Harmer were wicketless for 21 overs, although the surface was expected to change significantly later in the game.
Marco Jansen manhandled and grabbed Steven Smith after lunch, South Africa v Australia, 1st Test, Day 1, Durban, October 9, 2026 With all-rounder Cameron Green sidelined through injury and Maddinson called up to replace the ailing Cooper Connolly, Australia’s 11 players were aged 30 and over, raising further questions about the team’s future. While the day ended in gloomy conditions, Cummins did not hesitate to fight under sunny skies as the coin fell in his favour. All eyes were on Maddinson, who played his last three Tests almost a decade ago and returned to first-class cricket after 579 days, having last played in March 2025.
Maddinson’s selection was quite remarkable after he underwent treatment for testicular cancer last year. He failed to make a fairytale comeback after being pinned by Jansen and Mulder, who was given the new ball due to his swinging ability. Without Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi, Jansen looked to be South Africa’s talisman, but he couldn’t find his radar early on, to the relief of Maddinson, who was constantly offside.
In the fourth round he was very lucky after being hit in the pads by Mulder, but South African ctain Temba Bavuma decided not to review as he believed there had been an inside advantage. But Maddinson missed the ball and ball tracking confirmed it would have crashed into leg stump. With Maddinson unable to score, the pressure fell on Travis Head, who was primarily watching on the non-striking side.
He couldn’t find the rhythm and dispointingly fell into a successful throwback for a relieved Bavuma after tickling Mulder on the side of the leg. Hey Steven Smith, leave it to me as you do, leave it to me as you do, South Africa v Australia, 1st Test, Day 1, Durban, October 9, 2026. Maddinson’s 50 minutes of misery ended when he received a thick inside edge after a cut-shot attempt from Jansen that caused the stump to roll back and his Test average fell to 5.4. Labuschagne and Smith steadied Australia with a 60-run partnership in a dominant spell before the lunch break.
After the hype surrounding the return of the Australian Test to South Africa, Smith had shown little hostility in low-key scenes from the sparse fans in the stands. He countered by hitting Maharaj for a couple of sixes and his presence rubbed off on the much-criticised Labuschagne, who held on to his place in the eleven without having made a Test century since the 2023 Ashes. Labuschagne was coping well after a rocky start until he fell on the last ball before lunch and was beaten to weight by Mulder.
He left the field after unsuccessful tests and Australia collsed further on the restart when Smith was caught in the gully, having previously been manhandled with the ball by a pumped-up Jansen. Renshaw and Alex Carey were forced to dig deep during a period of attrition. Carey fought back to 1 after 20 balls, while Renshaw survived a brutal delivery from Jansen with South Africa holding the ball as trped, but it was unsuccessfully checked.
Carey and Renshaw tried to put pressure on Harmer, who was chosen to support Maharaj when the chains were finally broken. But the return of a fiery Nortje gave Carey the lead until second slip, and he had Beau Webster within sight two balls later, putting South Africa in a strong position. Renshaw and Cummins revived Australia with a strong effort as they ran through increasingly darkening skies.
Nortje reverted to a short-ball tactic but the batters held on until play was abandoned and Australia felt significantly better about their situation compared to a few hours earlier. Matt Renshaw is tested by the bouncer after lunch, South Africa v Australia, 1st Test, Day 1, Durban, 9th October 2026, Cut! Maddinson’s struggles end.
Good length, fifth stump, Maddinson tries to take a cut shot that’s not there, too close and not short enough, he hits a thick inside edge and it crashes! Nic Maddinson’s return to Test cricket was dispointing, South Africa v Australia, 1st Test, Durban, Day 1, 9 October 2026, a leg-side catch bell was not removed. Verreynne is confident.
South Africa review . With his leg fully down, he tries to get a look and as he passes the bat, there’s a flash! He’s out of control and has to go!
A bad ball gets a wicket. Head is annoyed. He tried to power it, but it only tickled a little.
A good review this time. Another refereeing failure despite Travis Head being strangled in the lower leg, South Africa v Australia, 1st Test, Day 1, Durban, October 9, 2026 IT’S A TOAST! Marnus is discouraged and takes the magazine.
It’s a slight lift of the bat and a nod. Could the impact on the first repetition have saved him? The continuous ball hits the inside edge of the full face block with a slight swing seam.
Marnus was way ahead and was hit in the knee. According to Hawk-Eye, OHMY, which only slightly influenced the referee’s decision, would still be heard. Unfortunately for Marnus, the OCs there didn’t do him any favors.
It will be a lunch with a probably communal session taken in the gorge! The blow to his hand shocked him. Good length, slanted inwards, straightens up a bit, presses on it from the crease, gets a thick edge and is easy to catch in the gutter. Marco Jansen manhandled and caught Steven Smith, edged and caught at slip after lunch, South Africa v Australia, 1st Test, Day 1, Durban, 9 October 2026!
No double for Renshaw. A wicket for Harmer . The break probably did him.
He is thrown out, makes a turn, drives, but takes a big advantage and is easily caught by Markram. Matt Renshaw is out after tea for 190, South Africa v Australia, 1st Test, Day 2, Durban, 10th October 2026. Matt Renshaw celebrates his first Test 50 in nine years, South Africa v Australia, 1st Test, Day 2, Durban, 10th October 2026. You could hear it was out before you could see it was out! Clink off the edge and get caught on the second slip. Boy is Nortje pumped!
This is a real rejection of the test. Full ball at 143, a little change in length as there was a lot on the field. Carey has been holding on to the crease a bit and is looking to knock him down.
I used to have a CD and tried to go to the other side with the full CD. Low catch for Markram and Australia are five points behind Anrich Nortje celebrates, South Africa vs Australia, 1st Test, Day 1, Durban, October 9, 2026. Stolen? Nortje convinced, not given.
Only one review left… Bavuma takes it. Nice stitched ball at 146km, landed just outside and stitched a touch.
Small step in front of Webster, keeping the club relatively close to the body. The ball tried to defend towards the cover but ended up just above knee height. As a result he defended slightly on the way up, didn’t do much wrong but conceded a hit, Ultra-Edge confirmed sharply and caught at second slip!
Good length, pulls away, Cummins pushes it with no footwork, gets a thick edge and it floats knee deep to Markram who tucks it in well. Wiaan Mulder threw the ball to send off Pat Cummins, South Africa v Australia, 1st Test, Day 2, Durban, 10 October 2026, beat him! Starc swung the seam, tipped the leg down, squeezed, and Starc went to work on the side of the leg, expecting it to go over the edge and through the middle and bounce off the edge. Still plenty in this pitch.
Lyon examines and begins to leave. First “T”, probably because there are still three reviews left. There was a full ball right in front of the field.
136ks, from around the wicket. Both of Lyon’s feet were in territory, he tried to hit it with the face closed and was hit before center. Hitting low on middle.
Plumb lbw but no Cowan, no dentures for Lyon. But a breakthrough partnership, 134 out of 286 South Africa begin their long summer at home, South Africa v Australia, 1st Test, Day 1, Durban, 9 October 2026 Australian team at the national anthem, South Africa v Australia, 1st Test, Day 1, Durban, 9 October 2026 Nic Maddinson’s return to Test cricket was dispointing, South Africa v Australia, 1st Test, Durban, 1st Day, 9 October 2026 Marco Jansen abuses and kidns Steven Smith after lunch, South Africa v Australia, 1st Test, Day 1, Durban, October 9, 2026 Cut! Maddinson’s struggles end.
Good length, fifth stump, Maddinson tries to take a cut shot that’s not there, too close and not short enough, he hits a thick inside edge and it crashes! edged and taken at gully! The blow to his hand shocked him.
Good length, slant inwards, stands up easily, pushes it out of the fold, gets a thick edge and catches easily on the TOAST groove. Lyon examines and begins to leave. First “T”, probably because there are still three reviews left.
There was a full ball right in front of the field. 136ks, from around the wicket. Both of Lyon’s feet were in territory, he tried to hit it with the face closed and was hit before center.
Hitting low on middle. Plumb lbw but no Cowan, no dentures for Lyon. Game winning partnership however, 134 out of 286 Travis Head strangled on the leg side, South Africa v Australia, 1st Test, Day 1, Durban, 9 October 2026 Wiaan Mulder threw the ball to send off Pat Cummins, South Africa v Australia, 1st Test, Day 2, Durban, 10 October 2026, a chime to catch the leg side was not removed.
Verreynne is confident. South Africa review . With his leg fully down, he tries to get a look and as he passes the bat, there’s a flash!
He’s out of control and has to go! A bad ball gets a wicket. Head is annoyed.
He tried to power it, but it only tickled a little. A good review this time. Another mistake by the referee: IT’S A TOAST!
Marnus is discouraged and takes the magazine. It’s a slight lift of the bat and a nod. Could the impact on the first repetition have saved him?
The continuous ball hits the inside edge of the full face block with a slight swing seam. Marnus was way ahead and was hit in the knee. According to Hawk-Eye, OHMY, which only slightly influenced the referee’s decision, would still be heard.
Unfortunately for Marnus, the OCs there didn’t do him any favors. It will be a lunch where the session will undoubtedly be shared and taken over on the second try! Good length, pulls away, Cummins pushes it with no footwork, gets a thick edge and it floats knee deep to Markram who puts it in a pocket who throws it well!
Starc swung the seam, tipped the leg down, squeezed, and Starc went to work on the side of the leg, expecting it to go over the edge and through the middle and bounce off the edge. Still plenty in this pitch. Anrich Nortje celebrates, South Africa v Australia, 1st Test, Day 1, Durban, 9 October 2026 Matt Renshaw celebrates his first Test 50 in nine years, South Africa v Australia, 1st Test, Day 2, Durban, 10 October 2026 You could hear it was out before you could see it was out!
Clink off the edge and get caught on the second slip. Boy is Nortje pumped! This is a real rejection of the test.
Full ball at 143, a little change in length as there was a lot on the field. Carey has been holding on to the crease a bit and is looking to knock him down. I used to have a CD and tried to go to the other side with the full CD.
Low catch for Markram and Australia are five behind. Nortje convinced, not given. Only one review left…
Bavuma takes it. Nice stitched ball at 146km, landed just outside and stitched a touch. Small step in front of Webster, keeping the club relatively close to the body.
The ball tried to defend towards the cover but ended up just above knee height. So he defended slightly in front, doesn’t do much wrong but has the edge, Ultra-Edge confirms Matt Renshaw is out for 190 after tea, South Africa v Australia, 1st Test, Day 2, Durban, 10th October 2026, overtaken and caught slipping! No double for Renshaw.
A wicket for Harmer . The break probably did him. He is thrown wide, spins, he shoots, but gets a big edge and when he slips, Markram can easily catch him by giving a blow to the side of the leg that doesn’t come out.
Verreynne is confident. South Africa review . With his leg fully down, he tries to get a look and as he passes the bat, there’s a flash!
He’s out of control and has to go! A bad ball gets a wicket. Head is annoyed.
He tried to power it, but it only tickled a little. A good review this time. Another miss from the umpire despite Travis Head being strangled in the lower leg, South Africa v Australia, 1st Test, Day 1, Durban, 9 October 2026, Cut!
Maddinson’s struggles end. Good length, fifth stump, Maddinson tries to take a cut shot that’s not there, too close and not short enough, he hits a thick inside edge and it crashes! Nic Maddinson’s return to Test cricket was dispointing, South Africa vs Australia, 1st Test, Durban, Day 1, October 9, 2026 IT’S TOAST!
Marnus is discouraged and takes the magazine. It’s a slight lift of the bat and a nod. Could the impact on the first repetition have saved him?
The continuous ball hits the inside edge of the full face block with a slight swing seam. Marnus was way ahead and was hit in the knee. According to Hawk-Eye, OHMY, which only slightly influenced the referee’s decision, would still be heard.
Unfortunately for Marnus, the OCs there didn’t do him any favors. It will be a lunch with a probably communal session taken in the gorge! The blow to his hand shocked him.
Good length, angled inwards, straightens up a bit, presses on it from the crease, gets a thick edge and is easy to catch in the groove. Marco Jansen manhandled and grabbed Steven Smith, after lunch, South Africa v Australia, 1st Test, Day 1, Durban, 9th October 2026. You could hear it was outside before you could see it was outside! Clink off the edge and get caught on the second slip. Boy is Nortje pumped!
This is a real rejection of the test. Full ball at 143, a little change in length as there was a lot on the field. Carey has been holding on to the crease a bit and is looking to knock him down.
I used to have a CD and tried to go to the other side with the full CD. Low catch for Markram and Australia are five points behind Anrich Nortje celebrates, South Africa vs Australia, 1st Test, Day 1, Durban, October 9, 2026. Stolen? Nortje convinced, not given.
Only one review left… Bavuma takes it. Nice stitched ball at 146km, landed just outside and stitched a touch.
Small step in front of Webster, keeping the club relatively close to the body. The ball tried to defend towards the cover but ended up just above knee height. As a result he defended slightly on the way up, didn’t do much wrong but conceded a hit, Ultra-Edge confirmed sharply and caught at second slip!
Good length, pulls away, Cummins pushes it with no footwork, gets a thick edge and it floats knee deep to Markram who tucks it in well. Wiaan Mulder threw the ball to send off Pat Cummins, South Africa v Australia, 1st Test, Day 2, Durban, 10 October 2026, beat him! Starc swung the seam, tipped the leg down, squeezed, and Starc went to work on the side of the leg, expecting it to go over the edge and through the middle and bounce off the edge. Still plenty in this pitch.
Lyon examines and begins to leave. First “T”, probably because there are still three reviews left. There was a full ball right in front of the field.
136ks, from around the wicket. Both of Lyon’s feet were in territory, he tried to hit it with the face closed and was hit before center. Hitting low on middle.
Plumb lbw but no Cowan, no dentures for Lyon. But it was a game-changing partnership, 134 of 286 were outplayed and caught off guard! No double for Renshaw.
A wicket for Harmer . The break probably did him. He is thrown wide, tries to turn, shoots, but takes advantage and is easily intercepted by Markram. Matt Renshaw is out after tea for 190, South Africa v Australia, 1st Test, Day 2, Durban, October 10, 2026. Matt Renshaw celebrates his first Test 50 in nine years, South Africa v Australia, 1st Test, Day 2, Durban, October 10, 2026. Cover player gives, reader cover comes off!
Blurred seams, back length 144 ks, all around the wicket. It was just outside off. In fact, from the side rep, it looked like a long ball with added bounce.
Regardless, Markram was on the back foot, trying to roll through coverage for the rebound. It grew large and the rim floated towards Renshaw above the bread basket. A child in the stands hides his face in his hands as the bowler who seems least likely to score hits Aiden Markram, who has fallen against the run of play, South Africa v Australia, 1st Test, Day 3, Durban, 11 October 2026, surrounded and caught by Webster at third!
138 km/h, rich, diagonal, it rolls hard and has a thick edge, Webster sees it with his fingers outstretched. The distance was offered, his eyes shone, but he had almost reached it. Josh Hazlewood hit the ball wide of the goal to dismiss Ryan Rickelton, South Africa v Australia, 1st Test, Day 2, Durban, October 10, 2026 Smith scores another stunner at second slip! Cummins hits with extra bounce.
After a length that climbs steeply outwards, Bedingham attempts an ill-advised return with a vertical stick, gets a thick edge, flies up first to Renshaw and Smith flies in front of him like Superman to pick him up with both hands and do a forward somersault. Great reverse sweep straight to a slide alert, Smith! Super moving of Smith to read and share!
Thrown to the outside, the pressure built to the point where Bavuma attempted a reverse sweep, Smith saw it and moved two steps to the right early and was perfectly placed to catch it as he rose to him with the bat high at chest height! Brilliant work from Smith. Big pressure from Lyon Steven Smith took a smart catch to punish what could have been a proactive reverse sweep from Temba Bavuma Steven Smith took a smart catch to punish what might have been a proactive reverse sweep from Temba Bavuma, South Africa v Australia, 1st Test, Day 3, Durban, October 11, 2026 Okay, that could be a brain flaw.
The boos from the Australian players alone tell you everything you need to hear. Cordon and Bowler ran toward Hazlewood with childlike joy. 84-mile short ball, Stubbs took it with a jumper.
I tried to keep it low, but it was difficult at shoulder height. The circumstances only made things worse. The top edge reached deep, fine leg, Hazlewood stepped forward and guided it deep to the left. Pat Cummins bats Tristan Stubbs, South Africa v Australia, 1st Test, Day 3, Durban, October 11, 2026. Pat Cummins spins Bang Cummins to rebound Mulder.
Hits in the field at 143,000. On the outside, Mulder’s instinct was to attract him with power. Then he pulled away, halfway to saying goodbye, the bat looming horizontally around his shoulder.
Then the ball hits the bat and not the other way around. Also hit low and pump it up a bit, midwicket (Connolly, replacing Starc) rushes in and takes a cart. Flat terrain, easiest to hit, and it’s done as well!
Wiaan Mulder was one of the top four batters to score between 30 and 50, South Africa v Australia, 1st Test, Day 3, Durban, October 11, 2026. Smith scores another stunning hit on a reverse sweep! Insane fielding! A one-hander this time!
He’s thrown wide, reverses the swings and hits it well, Smith tries to cover him with a step, then puts his right hand out to catch it! Outrageous reaction and skill. Best of three today Don’t undo the sweep when Steven Smith is down, South Africa vs Australia, 1st Test, Day 3, Durban, 11th October 2026, placed at half way!
Awful dismissal . He’s a length behind and tries to push it with a flat pull over mid-on and another bounce causes an error that floats on mid-on towards Head, who takes a regulating chance. There are two things you can get out of it: laughter or compassion. It is so tame it’s sad.
Full, wide 140ks ball. Here, too, the fingers roll over the ball, but do not start. Maybe I lost a lot of rhythm off the field.
Maharaj knelt for another cover drive with a horizontal bat, probably as if he had bowled the first ball of the over. Far too early, Beau McGrath, who is brought in to cover, gets his man. Very English dismissal that.
124ks climbed a length over the seam ball, landed and perhs righted itself again. Nortje wanted to defend directly. The ball brushes the outside edge and goes to first slip.
After being unconscious for some time, Webster puts an end to the back and forth of the bottom guys. Aiden Markram fell against the run of play, South Africa vs Australia, 1st Test, Day 3, Durban, October 11, 2026. Cover drive gives, cover drive takes away! Blurred seams, back length 144 ks, all around the wicket. It was just outside off.
In fact, from the side rep, it looked like a long ball with added bounce. Regardless, Markram was on the back foot, trying to roll through coverage for the rebound. It grew large and the rim floated towards Renshaw above the bread basket.
A child in the stands hides his face in his hands as the bowler who pears to be hitting the least scores. There are two things you can get out of it: laughter or compassion. It is so tame it’s sad. Full, wide 140ks ball.
Here, too, the fingers roll over the ball, but do not start. Maybe I lost a lot of rhythm off the field. Maharaj knelt for another cover drive with a horizontal bat, probably as if he had bowled the first ball of the over.
Way too early in the shot, spoon to cover Josh Hazlewood, hooked the ball past the goal to dismiss Ryan Rickelton, South Africa v Australia, 1st Test, Day 2, Durban, 10 October 2026, surrounded and caught by Webster at third! 138 km/h, rich, diagonal, it rolls hard and has a thick edge, Webster sees it with his fingers outstretched. The distance was offered, his eyes lit up, but he got there halfway!
Awful dismissal . Back on a length, well outside off, he tries to push it over the halfway line with a flat pull and an extra bounce causes a mistake. He floats to the head in the middle off, who takes advantage of a regular chance. Wiaan Mulder was one of the top four batters to score between 30 and 50, South Africa v Australia, 1st Test, Day 3, Durban, October 11, 2026. Pat Cummins hit Tristan Stubbs, South Africa v Australia, 1st Test, Day 3, Durban, October 11, 2026 Smith hits another bullseye at second slip! Cummins hits with extra bounce.
After a length that climbs steeply outwards, Bedingham attempts an ill-advised return with a vertical stick, gets a thick edge, flies up first to Renshaw and Smith flies in front of him like Superman to pick him up with both hands and do a forward somersault. “Stunner Pat Cummins turns Bang Cummins to take out Mulder”. Hits in the field at 143,000.
On the outside, Mulder’s instinct was to attract him with power. Then he pulled away, halfway to saying goodbye, the bat looming horizontally around his shoulder. Then the ball hits the bat and not the other way around.
Also hit low and pump it up a bit, midwicket (Connolly, replacing Starc) rushes in and takes a cart. Flat terrain, easiest to hit, and it’s done as well! Okay, that might be a waste of brains.
The boos from the Australian players alone tell you everything you need to hear. Cordon and Bowler ran toward Hazlewood with childlike joy. 84-mile short ball, Stubbs took it with a jumper.
I tried to keep it low, but it was difficult at shoulder height. The circumstances only made things worse. The top edge came to deep, fine leg, Hazlewood stepped forward and hit it low to the left. Steven Smith took a clever catch to punish what could have been a proactive reverse sweep from Temba Bavuma. Steven Smith took a smart catch to punish what could have been a proactive reverse sweep by Temba Bavuma, South Africa v Australia, 1st Test, Day 3, Durban, 11 October 2026. Do not perform a reverse sweep when Steven Smith is at slip, South Africa v Australia. 1st Test, Day 3, Durban, 11 October 2026, backwards movement straight to an alert Smith at slip!
Super moving of Smith to read and share! Thrown to the outside, the pressure built to the point where Bavuma attempted a reverse sweep, Smith saw it and moved two steps to the right early and was perfectly placed to catch it as he rose to him with the bat high at chest height! Brilliant work from Smith.
Lyon Smith’s heavy pressure causes another surprise on a reverse sweep! Insane fielding! A one-hander this time!
He’s thrown wide, reverses the swings and hits it well, Smith tries to cover him with a step, then puts his right hand out to catch it! Outrageous reaction and skill. The best of his three today, Beau McGrath, gets his man.
Very English dismissal that. 124ks climbed a length over the seam ball, landed and perhs righted itself again. Nortje wanted to defend directly.
The ball brushes the outside edge and goes to first slip. After being knocked out for some time, Webster ends the bottom line mess and is taken over by Webster in third place! 138 km/h, rich, diagonal, it rolls hard and has a thick edge, Webster sees it with his fingers outstretched.
Width was offered, his eyes lit up, but he strained to reach it. Josh Hazlewood hit the ball wide to dismiss Ryan Rickelton, South Africa v Australia, 1st Test, Day 2, Durban, October 10, 2026. Cover drive gives, cover drive takes away! Blurred seams, back length 144 ks, all around the wicket. It was just outside off.
In fact, from the side rep, it looked like a long ball with added bounce. Regardless, Markram was on the back foot, trying to roll through coverage for the rebound. It grew large and the rim floated towards Renshaw above the bread basket.
A child in the stands hides his face in his hands as the bowler who seems least likely to score hits Aiden Markram, who has fallen against the run of play, South Africa v Australia, 1st Test, Day 3, Durban, October 11, 2026, reverse movement straight to a slip alert from Smith! Super moving of Smith to read and share! Thrown to the outside, the pressure built to the point where Bavuma attempted a reverse sweep, Smith saw it and moved two steps to the right early and was perfectly placed to catch it as he rose to him with the bat high at chest height!
Brilliant work from Smith. Big pressure from Lyon Steven Smith took a smart catch to punish what could have been a proactive reverse sweep by Temba Bavuma Steven Smith took a smart catch to punish what could have been a proactive reverse sweep by Temba Bavuma, South Africa v Australia, 1st Test, Day 3, Durban, October 11, 2026 Smith takes another stunner at second slip! Cummins hits with extra bounce.
After a length that climbs steeply outwards, Bedingham attempts an ill-advised return with a vertical stick, gets a thick edge, flies up first to Renshaw and Smith flies in front of him like Superman to pick him up with both hands and do a forward somersault. “Stunner Pat Cummins turns Bang Cummins to take out Mulder”. Hits in the field at 143,000.
On the outside, Mulder’s instinct was to attract him with power. Then he pulled away, halfway to saying goodbye, the bat looming horizontally around his shoulder. Then the ball hits the bat and not the other way around.
Also hit low and pump it up a bit, midwicket (Connolly, replacing Starc) rushes in and takes a cart. Flat terrain, easiest to hit, and it’s done as well! Wiaan Mulder was one of the top four batters to score between 30 and 50, South Africa v Australia, 1st Test, Day 3, Durban, October 11, 2026. Okay, this could be brain lse.
The boos from the Australian players alone tell you everything you need to hear. Cordon and Bowler ran toward Hazlewood with childlike joy. 84-mile short ball, Stubbs took it with a jumper.
I tried to keep it low, but it was difficult at shoulder height. The circumstances only made things worse. The top edge went deep, fine leg, Hazlewood stepped forward and took it low to the left. Pat Cummins rebounded. Tristan Stubbs, South Africa v Australia, 1st Test, Day 3, Durban, October 11, 2026. Smith pulls off another stunning reverse sweep!
Insane fielding! A one-hander this time! He’s thrown wide, reverses the swings and hits it well, Smith tries to cover him with a step, then puts his right hand out to catch it!
Outrageous reaction and skill. Best of three today Don’t undo the sweep when Steven Smith is down, South Africa vs Australia, 1st Test, Day 3, Durban, 11th October 2026, placed at half way! Awful dismissal .
He’s a length behind and tries to push it with a flat pull over mid-on and another bounce causes an error that floats on mid-on towards Head, who takes a regulating chance. There are two things you can get out of it: laughter or compassion. It is so tame it’s sad. Full, wide 140ks ball.
Here, too, the fingers roll over the ball, but do not start. Maybe I lost a lot of rhythm off the field. Maharaj knelt for another cover drive with a horizontal bat, probably as if he had bowled the first ball of the over.
Far too early, Beau McGrath, who is brought in to cover, gets his man. Very English dismissal that. 124ks climbed a length over the seam ball, landed and perhs righted itself again.
Nortje wanted to defend directly. The ball brushes the outside edge and goes to first slip. After being unconscious for some time, Webster puts an end to the back and forth of the bottom guys. Around 45 overs were lost in the three match days, which must be taken into account in the teams’ calculations. Poor light interrupted play early under gray skies, South Africa vs Australia, 1st Test, Day 1, Durban, October 9, 2026. His four catches, including two excellent leg-slip tries, helped the visitors to a 106-run lead in Durban. Not reversing the sweep when Steven Smith is at slip, South Africa v Australia, 1st Test, Day 3, Durban, October 11, 2026 Aiden Markram fell against the run of play, South Africa v Australia, 1st Test, Day 3, Durban, October 11, 2026 Steven Smith supported the bowlers with four catches, including two stunning tries that took him past Joe Root, the most Test catches by one Non-wicketkeepers Pat Cummins celebrates a wicket, South Africa v Australia, 1st Test, Day 3, Durban, October 11, 2026 His century at No.
5 in Durban gave Australia a boost, but it also gave them another selection headache. Matt Renshaw celebrates his second Test century, South Africa v Australia, 1st Test, Day 2, Durban, October 10, 2026. Ashwell Prince admits his shot was out of place after being bowled out for 284 against Australia in Durban. Nathan Lyon praises the performance of Steven Smith’s catching and bowling unit during the Durban Test against South Africa. 2 points were deducted for slow overs in the match against India on July 10, 2025. Pakistan were deducted 8 points for slow overs in the match against Bangladesh on May 8, 2026. England were deducted 12 points for slow overs in the match against New Zealand on June 18, 2026. West Indies were deducted 2 points for slow overs in the match against Sri Lanka on 7 July 2026. Pakistan deducted 11 runs for slow overs in the match against England on September 12, 2026. A view of Harrup Park, Australia A v India A, Team A One Day Quadrangular Series, Final, Mackay, 4th September 2016. The magnificent Melbourne Cricket Ground in bloom, Victoria v Queensland, FR Cup, MCG, 6th February 2008. A general view of the Adelaide Oval, South Australia v Tasmania, Sheffield Shield, Day 3, Adelaide, 24th November 2013 A wide angle view of the England v South Africa match at Kensington Oval in Barbados, England v South Africa, Super Eights, Barbados, 17th ril 2007 A general view of Trent Bridge during the fourth test, England v Australia, Trent Bridge, 25th August 2005 The Hagley Oval attracted a large crowd, England v Scotland, World Cup 2015, Group A, Christchurch, 23rd February 2015 A view from Harrup Park, Australia A v India A, one day quadrangular series of the A Teams, Final, Mackay, 4th September 2016 Clouds hang over the SSC in Colombo before rain falls forcing a draw, Sri Lanka v England, 2nd Test, Colombo, 13th December 2007 Galle Fort in view as Shane Warne bowls, Sri Lanka v Australia, 1st Test, Galle, Day 2, 9th March 2004 A wide angle view of the Wanderers, South Africa v West Indies, 5th ODI, Johannesburg, 3rd February 2008 Clouds hang over the SSC in Colombo before rain falls forcing a draw, Sri Lanka v England, 2nd Test, Colombo, 13th December 2007 Galle Fort in view as Shane Warne bowls, Sri Lanka v Australia, 1st Test, Galle, Day 2, 9th March 2004 The final day of the season will be in the Autumn Sun held at Old Trafford, Lancashire v Middlesex, County Championship, Division One, Old Trafford, 26th September 2014 After the rain the sun shone at Headingley, England v New Zealand, 2nd Investec Test, Headingley, Day 2, 25th May 2013 After the rain the sun shone at Headingley, England v New Zealand, 2nd Investec Test, Headingley, Day 2, 25th May 2013 A general view of Trent Bridge during the Fourth Test, England v Australia, Trent Bridge, 25th August 2005 The magnificent Melbourne Cricket Ground in bloom, Victoria v Queensland, FR Cup, MCG, 6th February 2008 A general view of the Adelaide Oval, South Australia v Tasmania, Sheffield Shield, Day 3, Adelaide, 24th November 2013 The final day of the season takes place in the autumn sunshine at Old Trafford. Lancashire v Middlesex, County Championship, Division One, Old Trafford, 26th September 2014 After the rain the sun shone at Headingley, England v New Zealand, 2nd Investec Test, Headingley, 2nd day, 25th May 2013 A wide angle view of the Wanderers, South Africa v West Indies, 5th ODI, Johannesburg, 3rd February 2008 Clouds hang over the SSC in Colombo, Before it rains and a Draw forced, Sri Lanka v England, 2nd Test, Colombo, 13th December 2007 Galle Fort is seen during Shane Warnes Bowls, Sri Lanka v Australia, 1st Test, Galle, 2nd day, 9th March 2004. Clouds hang over the SSC in Colombo before heavy rain. a draw, Sri Lanka v England, 2nd Test, Colombo, 13th December 2007 Galle Fort is in view during Shane Warnes Bowls, Sri Lanka v Australia, 1st Test, Galle, Day 2, 9th March 2004 Hagley Oval attracted a large crowd, England v Scotland, World Cup 2015, Group A, Christchurch, 23rd February 2015 A wide angle view of the England v South Africa match at the Kensington Oval in Barbados, England v South Africa, Super Eights, Barbados, 17 ril 2007 After the rain the sun shone at Headingley, England v New Zealand, 2nd Investec Test, Headingley, Day 2, 25 May 2013 Steven Smith supported the bowlers with four catches, including two stunning tries, overtaking Joe Root for the most Test catches by a non-wicketkeeper. Pat Cummins celebrates a wicket, South Africa v Australia, 1st Test, Day 3, Durban, October 11, 2026 SA v Aus, 1st Test 2026 – Preview: Could next year’s World Test Championship final rematch be the decider? Marco Jansen celebrates after passing Marnus Labuschagne, Australia v South Africa South, World Test Championship Final, Day 2, Lord’s, 12th June 2025 South Africa offspinner on the Kingsmead wicket and the Fierce The competition he is waiting for between the two teams, SA vs AUS 2026/27, SA vs AUS, 1st Test Match Report, 9th – 13th October 2026 – Australia struggles as Nortje and Jansen make their mark SA vs AUS 2026/27, South Africa vs Australia Match report: The visitors stumbled after the first day’s play at 187 for 6. Durban Matt Renshaw top-scored on tough batting day for Australia • AFP/ Nortje says Test dream never died as comeback worth the wait. Maddinson’s recall raises bigger questions than his failure in the first inning. Tristan Lavalette is a Perth-based journalist. How bad could South Africa have been against Australia? “Oh my God, Smudge” test – Smith grabs the ball and day Australia chases in pack to take 106-run lead. Renshaw’s versatility creates turmoil and a dilemma for Australia. Rid Fire: How good is Smith at slipping? And those reverse swipes? Prince: We have to learn to absorb the opponent’s intensity
