Live Update: Maddinson sets the tone from the start and Australia takes a 280 lead. As the track began to turn significantly, Renshaw made numerous reverse moves. The three that matter: Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah are all smiling after dismissing Pat Cummins. The three that count: Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah all smiles after dismissing Pat Cummins, India vs Australia, World Cup, Chennai, October 8, 2023 Australia retained the Ashes, England vs Australia, 3rd ODI, Women’s Ashes, Taunton, 18th July 2023 A general view of the Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, 3rd match, Jaipur, 17th October 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’s Bansi Lal Stadium in Lahli, Haryana vs Rajasthan, 1st Semi-Final, Ranji Trophy 2011-12, Rohtak, 1st Day, 10th January 2012 Nic Maddinson recovered from a terrible first innings to score in his first Test since December 2016, South Africa vs Australia, 1st Day, Durban, 3rd Day, October 11, 2026 Lunch Australia 390 and 174-4 (Maddinson 48, Labuschagne 37, Renshaw 32* Jansen 1-28) leads South Africa 284 (Bedingham 49, Cummins 3-54, Hazlewood 2-54) by 280 runs. Nic Maddinson set the tone with an aggressive proach in the morning of the fourth day before falling agonizingly short of the first Test half-century.
Despite losing four wickets, Australia quickly built an impressive lead against South Africa in the first Test on a Kingsmead surface and started playing tricks. Marnus Labuschagne looked well set after new opener Maddinson’s 38-ball 48 but was dismissed for 37 for the second time in the game. It was a missed opportunity for Labuschagne, who came into the series under immense pressure having not scored a Test century since the 2023 Ashes tour.
Matt Renshaw, whose 190 in the first innings turned the game, continued to bowl a reverse sweep with good success and managed to have lunch alongside Alex Carey. Maddinson, a shock selection who has not played first-class cricket since March 2025, dominated the day’s first hour of play in great relief after his cruel 33-ball duck in the first innings. Australia lost regular wickets but mostly scored at lower rates, with the possibility that a shortened game could affect their efforts to win.
Each of the first three days ended early in the final session as the light was poor and the dark clouds gathered like clockwork in Durban at this time of year. After the South African batters spoiled relatively favorable conditions on the third day, the surface became more difficult with several balls delivered from the fast Anrich Nortje to the wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne, who also produced a menacing bounce. Nortje was a handful after delivering a hostile strike early in the session that was marked by several vicious rebounds, including one that crashed into Steven Smith’s helmet.
As expected, the surface begins to turn significantly as spinners Simon Harmer and Keshav Maharaj take the wicket figure. Simon Harmer celebrates the dismissal of Steven Smith, South Africa v Australia, 1st Test, Durban, Day 4, 12 October 2026 Australia resumed their second innings at 33 for 0 after just 5.4 overs before the familiar plague of poor light brought an early end to the third day. Maddinson hoped to continue his momentum from the previous afternoon when he avoided a pair with a first-ball boundary.
That’s exactly what he did, although he had a bit of luck early on and suffered a few boundaries through slips. Maddinson was in an attacking mood, in stark contrast to the first innings where he seemed so hesitant, and leed wide to fire several off-side shots to quickly surpass his highest Test score of 22. He overshadowed Travis Head, who fell meekly to Marco Jansen in the 11th over when a leading edge flew towards mid-off.
Head let out a groan, knowing his fate as his interim record continued in Test cricket, where he averages 31.6, compared to almost 52 in Australia. There will also be questions about whether he should sw positions with Renshaw and return to No. 5, as Head has posted a high of just 29 in his last six innings. Skipper Temba Bavuma turned to Harmer at the start of the session but Maddinson greeted him with a huge six on the ground as he proached his half-century.
However, Maddinson could do little against an excellent yorker from Nortje that crashed into the stumps. Nortje could not withstand the pressure as Smith withstood the blow to his helmet by hitting three boundaries in the run. Bavuma deployed Harmer and Maharaj, who were ineffective in Australia’s first innings with just one wicket between them.
Smith’s eyes lit up as he danced around the field to beat Harmer and cement his half-century partnership with Labuschagne. But Smith was unable to repeat the dose moments later and fell back to the towering figure of Jansen, who prevailed on the second attempt. Labuschagne was scheduled to play his first Test in half a century since the Brisbane Ashes Test last December but left the field in frustration after hitting Maharaj to cover.
Nic Maddinson recovered from a terrible first innings to score in his first Tests since December 2016, South Africa v Australia, 1st Test, Durban, Day 3, 11 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 got stuck in the crease and tried to throw him to the ground. 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 got stuck in the crease and tried to throw him to the ground. 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 got stuck in the crease and tried to throw him to the ground. 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 taken out a few times, Webster puts an end to the back crowd that has angered him! Stumps everywhere!
Stunning yorker! The Speed Gun says 80 miles per hour, but that must be a bad reading. The middle was on fire, Maddinson failed to get his bat to the ground in time and he flung the middle and leg off the ground.
What a delivery. Broken off halfway up a front edge! Smooth finish Full on the leg, it straightened up just a little as Head tried to straighten it, it floated from a straight leading edge to the center of the body.
Easy catch for Bavuma. Head can’t believe what he’s done. He closed his face too soon. Marco Jansen dismissed and bowled Travis Head early on Day 4, South Africa v Australia, 1st Test, Durban, Day 4, 12 October 2026 and that was hit hard by Bavuma at cover!
Labuschagne falls in the 30s. His eyes light up and he makes a curved drive, but he hits the ball too close to his line of sight, meaning it’s in the air. Bavuma leads them and gets this double. Jansen needs a second chance – and holds on!
Smith falls and tries to repeat the six he hit with the first ball. The ball goes wide out and Smith gets into position to take the shot, but this is a bigger burden than the free kick he took previously and means height is an issue. Jansen runs to the left with his floppy hat on and holds out his hands.
It’s not a perfect catch and he needs another try to make sure Smith is gone. Simon Harmer celebrates the dismissal of Steven Smith, South Africa v Australia, 1st Test, Durban, Day 4, 12 October 2026 Marco Jansen dismissed Travis Head early on Day 4, South Africa v Australia, 1st Test, Durban, Day 4, 12 October 2026, with an advantage at half-time! Smooth finish Full on the leg, it straightened up just a little as Head tried to straighten it, it floated from a straight leading edge to the center of the body.
Easy catch for Bavuma. Head can’t believe what he’s done. He closed his face too soon. Simon Harmer celebrates the dismissal of Steven Smith, South Africa vs Australia, 1st Test, Durban, Matchday 4, October 12, 2026. Jansen needs a second chance – and perseveres!
Smith falls and tries to repeat the six he hit with the first ball. The ball goes wide out and Smith gets into position to take the shot, but this is a bigger burden than the free kick he took previously and means height is an issue. Jansen runs to the left with his floppy hat on and holds out his hands.
It’s not a perfect catch and he needs another try to make sure Smith is gone. Stumps everywhere! Stunning yorker!
The Speed Gun says 80 miles per hour, but that must be a bad reading. The middle was on fire, Maddinson failed to get his bat to the ground in time and he flung the middle and leg off the ground. What a delivery.
throws it and it was hit hard by Bavuma from cover! Labuschagne falls in the 30s. His eyes light up and he makes a curved drive, but he hits the ball too close to his line of sight, meaning it’s in the air.
Bavuma goes to the top and takes this one-two punch halfway down the leading edge! Smooth finish Full on the leg, it straightened up just a little as Head tried to straighten it, it floated from a straight leading edge to the center of the body. Easy catch for Bavuma.
Head can’t believe what he’s done. He closed his face too soon. Marco Jansen dismissed Travis Head on Day 4, South Africa vs Australia, 1st Test, Durban, Day 4, October 12, 2026, beat him! Stumps everywhere!
Stunning yorker! The Speed Gun says 80 miles per hour, but that must be a bad reading. The middle was on fire, Maddinson failed to get his bat to the ground in time and he flung the middle and leg off the ground.
What a delivery. Jansen needs a second chance – and holds on! Smith falls and tries to repeat the six he hit with the first ball.
The ball goes wide out and Smith gets into position to take the shot, but this is a bigger burden than the free kick he took previously and means height is an issue. Jansen runs to the left with his floppy hat on and holds out his hands. It’s not a perfect catch and he needs another try to make sure Smith is gone.
Simon Harmer celebrates the dismissal of Steven Smith, South Africa v Australia, 1st Test, Durban, Day 4, October 12, 2026, bowls, and Bavuma has taken a hard hit at cover! Labuschagne falls in the 30s. His eyes light up and he makes a curved drive, but he hits the ball too close to his line of sight, meaning it’s in the air.
Bavuma takes the lead and gets this double. Nic Maddinson recovered from a terrible first innings to score in his first Tests since December 2016, South Africa v Australia, 1st Test, Durban, Day 3, 11 October 2026. Around 45 overs were lost in three days of play, which must be taken into account in teams’ calculations. Poor light halted play early under gray skies, South Africa v Australia, 1st Test, Day 1, Durban, 9 October 2026. His four catches, including two excellent slip attempts, helped the visitors to a 106-run lead in Durban. He failed to reverse the sweep when Steven Smith was at slip, South Africa v Australia, 1st Test, Day 3, Durban, 11 October 2026. Aiden Markram fell against the run of play, South Africa v Australia, 1st Test, Day 3, Durban, 11 October 2026. 2026 Steven Smith assisted the bowlers with four catches, including two stunning tries which enabled him to catch Joe Root for to overtake 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 Ashwell Prince admits his shot was off the line After being bowled out for 284 against Australia in Durban, Nathan Lyon praises Steven Smith’s catching and bowling performance in the Durban Test against South Africa. Point deductions England were deducted 2 points for slow overtaking maneuvers in the game against India on July 10, 2025. Pakistan was deducted 8 points for slow overtaking in the match against Bangladesh on 8 May 2026. New Zealand on 18 June 2026. Deducted 2 points for slow overtaking during the match against Sri Lanka on 7 July 2026. Pakistan was deducted 11 points for slow overtaking during the match against England on 12 September 2026. View from Harrup Park, Australia A v India A, Team A One Day Quadrangular Series, Final, Mackay, 4th September 2016. The magnificent Melbourne Cricket Ground in full 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 match against South Africa 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 2007. 2005 The Hagley Oval attracted a large crowd, England v Scotland, World Cup 2015, Group A, Christchurch, 23rd February 2015 A view of Harrup Park, Australia A v India A, Team A One Day Quadrangular Series, 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, December 13th March 2007 Galle Fort is in view during Shane Warnes Bowls, Sri Lanka v Australia, 1st Test, Galle, 2nd Day, 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 is in view as Shane Warne bowls, Sri Lanka v Australia, 1st Test, Galle, Day 2, 9th March 2004 The final day of the season was in held in the autumn sun at Old Trafford, Lancashire v Middlesex, County Championship, Division 1, Old Trafford, 26th September 2014 After the rain the sun shone in Headingley, England v New Zealand, 2nd Investec Test, Headingley, Day 2, 25th May 2013 After the rain the sun shone in Headingley, England v New Zealand, 2nd Investec Test, Headingley, 2nd day, 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 2005. 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 is bathed in the autumn sunshine at Old Trafford played, 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 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 and forcing a draw, Sri Lanka v England, 2nd Test, Colombo, 13th December 2007 Galle Fort is in view as Shane Warne bowls, Sri Lanka v Australia, 1st Test, Galle, 2nd day, 9th March 2004 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 is in view as Shane Warne bowls, Sri Lanka v Australia, 1st Test, Galle, 2nd Day, 9th March 2004. The Hagley Oval attracted a large crowd, England v Scotland, World Cup 2015, Group A, Christchurch, 23rd February 2015 Wide angle view of the England v South Africa match at 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 Simon Harmer celebrates the dismissal of Steven Smith, South Africa v Australia, 1st Test, Durban, Day 4, 12 October 2026 Nic Maddinson recovered from a terrible first innings to score in his first Tests since December 2016 one wicket, South Africa v Australia, 1st Test, Durban, Day 3, October 11, 2026 SA v Australia, 1st Test 2026 – Preview: Could the World Test Championship’s final rematch be next? Marco Jansen, the decider of the year, celebrates after outpacing Marnus Labuschagne, Australia v South Africa, World Test Championship Final, Day 2, Lord’s, June 12, 2025. South Africa offspinner on the Kingsmead wicket and the tough competition he expects between the two teams SA v AUS 2026/27, SA v AUS 1st Test match report, October 9th – 13th 2026 – Maddinson sets the tone early as Australia take on 280-run lead SA v AUS 2026/27, South Africa v Australia Match report: Renshaw used a lot of reverse sweeps as the track started to turn significantly. Tristan Lavalette is a Perth-based journalist. Day 4 – Session 1: Australia leads by 280 points. How bad could South Africa be against Australia. “Oh my God, Smudge” test – Smith grabs the ball and gives it to Australia. South Africa feel the sting instead of beating Australia under control after the bowlers battled as a team for the 106-run lead. Rid Fire: How good is Smith in briefs? And those reverse swipes?
Prince: We have to learn to absorb the opponent’s intensity
