Markram hangs in even as Australia close in on Test win

Live Update: Markram remains strong even as Australia inches closer to Test victory. Australia quickly took two wickets in the first session. The three that matter: Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah, all smiles after dismissing Pat Cummins Champion – Mohammed Siraj took 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 retain the Ashes, England v Australia, 3rd ODI, Women’s Ashes, Taunton, July 18, 2023 A general view of the Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, 3rd 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’s Bansi Lal Stadium Lahli Cricket Association, Haryana vs Rajasthan, 1st Semi-Final, Ranji Trophy 2011-12, Rohtak, 1st Day, January 10/10/2012 Shane Warne bowls the first Test match ball under the lights.

Australia v New Zealand, 2nd Test, Day 1, at the WACA, Perth, Thursday 20 November 1997 Aiden Markram has another fifty runs against Australia, South Africa v Australia, 1st Test, Durban, Day 5, 13 October 2026 Lunch South Africa 284 and 166 for 6 (Markram 69*, Bedingham 46, Hazlewood 3-39) needs another 255 runs to Australia to beat 390 and 314 on December 6 (Renshaw 82, Maddinson 48, Maharaj 2-56, Nortje 2-56) Aiden Markram fought determinedly during the final day’s morning session, but an unfazed Australia took two wickets before lunch to move closer to a first comprehensive Test win against South Africa in Durban. With a record target of 421 runs, South Africa are almost 166 for 6 in the second innings, with the slim chance of avoiding defeat falling to Markram and the lower order. Markram was a shining light for South Africa after collecting 69 from 200 balls in a determined performance.

Against Australia his average is over 60, compared to 35.5 in his career. South Africa’s hopes were raised when Markram and Wiaan Mulder combined for a 69-run fifth-wicket partnership. They showed tremendous commitment and strong defense to halt Australia’s advance until Mulder’s 110-ball stonewall reached its climax when he was strangled at leg to overtake Josh Hazlewood, who took his third wicket of the innings.

With this plaguing South Africa throughout the game, they lost another wicket in quick succession when Kyle Verreynne fell loose after bowling a tame throw from Matt Renshaw to Steven Smith, who had entered the field following concussion tests. Renshaw – a part-time offspinner with 20 first-class wickets – was wicketless in 30 deliveries in his Test career before this match and surprisingly has 2 for 27 from 12 overs to continue his incredible Test game. Matt Renshaw continued his incredible Test, South Africa vs Australia, 1st Test, Durban, Day 5, October 13, 2026. The Kingsmead surface started playing its tricks on day four but looked relatively harmless in the morning session.

The pitch didn’t break down as expected and spinner Nathan Lyon was unable to get any meaningful turn, although there was varying bounce for the quicks to exploit. Although chasing a world record was still out of the question in the fourth innings, South Africa’s main aim was to keep Australia increasingly nervous and batting for the rest of the day. There has not been a drawn Test in South Africa since August 2016, when the first Test against New Zealand in Durban was badly affected by rain.

Since announcing their second innings at tea on the fourth day, Australia had hoped to complete the Test earlier on the fifth day before the weather became uncertain in the afternoon. Each of the first three days ended earlier in the final session due to poor light conditions and increasingly dense dark clouds, although the fourth day met the goal. South Africa resumed their second innings at 102 for 4, facing a mountain after being beaten with bat and ball on a miserable fourth day.

Renshaw was surprisingly given the ball at the start of the day and was hoping to continue his incredible play, which has so far produced scores of 190 and 82 as well as his first Test wicket, when he dismissed South African ctain Temba Bavuma at the end of the fourth day. Markram had to start again after scoring a patient 45 not out before stumps, and he was determined to kick on after being succumbed to a loose drive at 37 in the first innings. It didn’t take long for Markram to brandish his bat in front of a handful of fans after reaching his 14th Test half-century off 129 balls – the second slowest fifty of his career.

It was the first half-century of the game played by a batsman other than Renshaw. A composed Markram was flawless for the first 30 minutes of the session until he played on and missed a deeper shot from Hazlewood. The batters were mostly concerned with mitigating the bowling but they did mix things up at times with Mulder hitting the morning bat as he covered Hazlewood with grace and precision.

Markram had a good first hour for South Africa as he beat Cummins through the point and scored a boundary as Australia were left to ponder the situation during the drinks break. South Africa peared to emerge from the session unscathed until Mulder’s dispointing fall before Renshaw’s Test match gold continued. Aiden Markram scored another fifty against Australia, South Africa v Australia, 1st Test, Durban, 5th day, 13th October 2026, hacked!

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!

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.

Nortje convinced, not given. Only one review left… Bavuma takes it.

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.

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 vs. Australia, 1st Test, Durban, Day 4, 12 October 2026 Steven Smith hit on the helmet during the second innings, South Africa vs. Australia, 1st Test, Durban, Day 4, 12 October 2026 Maharaj is lying on the ground with the ball in his hand, but no one is sure if he caught the ball! He stands up, looks at the referee and calls out to him. The referees send him up and the replays show why there was so much uncertainty.

It was a full ball on an off-stump that Renshaw pushed back with a heavy hand and sent it back to Maharaj. He jumped to his right but missed the ball as it fell forward. It then jumped up to brush her hair before accidentally falling onto her left hand and eventually settling in her palm!

The TV referee takes a close look at whether the ball even touched the ground and decides that the catch is clean despite all the juggling. A remarkable and chaotic dismissal and Renshaw must aim for 82! Goes with a lot of plausibility dragging!

90 mph, full, fourth stump line, Carey tries to hit a drive and it’s left behind, it comes off the inside tip of the bat and ricochets into the stumps! Carey throws his head back in frustration. The variable bounce helps Nortje, but South Africa’s batters won’t be hpy about it. Marco Jansen dismissed Travis Head on Day 4, South Africa v Australia, 1st Test, Durban, Day 4, 12 October 2026, with a chip down the middle on a 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. 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. Steven Smith was hit on the helmet during the 2nd innings, South Africa vs Australia, 1st Test, Durban, Day 4, 12th October 2026, hit 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. 90 mph, full, fourth stump line, Carey tries to hit a drive and it’s left behind, it comes off the inside tip of the bat and ricochets into the stumps!

Carey throws his head back in frustration. The variable bounce is an advantage for Nortje, but the South African batters won’t like to throw it and he was hit hard by Bavuma in 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. Maharaj is lying on the ground with the ball in his hand, but no one really knows if he caught the ball! He stands up, looks at the referee and calls out to him.

The referees send him up and the replays show why there was so much uncertainty. It was a full ball on an off-stump that Renshaw pushed back with a heavy hand and sent it back to Maharaj. He jumped to his right but missed the ball as it fell forward.

It then jumped up to brush her hair before accidentally falling onto her left hand and eventually settling in her palm! The TV referee takes a close look at whether the ball even touched the ground and decides that the catch is clean despite all the juggling. A remarkable and chaotic dismissal and Renshaw must aim for 82!

Goes away with a lot of plausibility, broken off halfway through a 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.

Simon Harmer celebrates the dismissal of Steven Smith, South Africa v Australia, 1st Test, Durban, Day 4, 12 October 2026 Steven Smith was hit on the helmet during the second innings, South Africa v Australia, 1st Test, Durban, Day 4, 12 October 2026, he bowls it and it hits Bavuma badly 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 them in front and takes this duo lying around! 90 mph, full, fourth stump line, Carey tries to hit a drive and it’s left behind, it comes off the inside tip of the bat and ricochets into the stumps! Carey throws his head back in frustration.

The variable bounce helps Nortje, but South Africa’s batters won’t be hpy. Maharaj is lying on the ground with the ball in his hand, but no one really knows if he made the catch! He stands up, looks at the referee and calls out to him. The referees send him up and the replays show why there was so much uncertainty.

The slamming bouncer, well above the left ear, climbs steeply upwards, he takes the move, but the extra jump sends him plummeting, he scres the edge on the way to Carey! Aiden Markram plays defensively, South Africa vs Australia, 1st Test, Durban, Day 5, October 13, 2026 heavy blow for lbw and given! Bedingham steps into the wrong line and it will be his curtains.

It was a long ball that started from outside but descended towards the middle and leg. Bedingham crosses, exposes his leg stump and the ball hits the outside of his thigh. With the leg stump visible, the decision was made even easier for referee Kettleborough.

They don’t even review. Complete dismissal and once again Bedingham misses out on Renshaw’s dream test half! And this time he secured the SA title with a classic sending off.

Fully outside off stump, Bavuma steps forward to defend, but it’s a batting situation and short leg pounces on it in a flash. Renshaw’s maiden Test wicket! Carey with a sharp take!

It is installed around a tree stump. It is a rare, fuller ball. The ball hits the deck and creates a cloud of dust. Stubbs ducks to attempt a drive but gains a good advantage from the start.

Carey dives to his right and completes the catch. Oh no, not like that! Mulder is strangled in the leg and desperate. He moves with his face up and his eyes closed.

134k full length reverse swing ball. Finished on the leg stump. The seam suggested a leg slip, it was this new defender who set up the attempt. Mulder went for the glancing blow/knee-leg kick, which while not the worst shot was a low percentage considering the terrain, the mid-air movement also helped gain the slight advantage.

Carey, with black gloves on, dove to the left and took a good low catch with one hand. Ball stuck in the webbing, he somehow lifted the mitt with ball never getting in danger of brushing the ground. That wicket is a delight for superstition too as Lyon had switched the bails.

Garbage ball, golden arm! Renshaw has two in the Test and Australia has two in two balls. This was wide on a length.

Verreynne cut some room off for himself by planting the front foot outside off. It meant he had to try and drive it off the back foot through cover rather than cut it. Didn’t do it with much bat speed and the ball went close to Carey’s pad and flat into Smith’s hands at first slip.

Went flat and Smith’s elite reaction did the rest Aiden Markram plays defensively, South Africa vs Australia, 1st Test, Durban, 5th day, October 13, 2026 caught behind! Cracking bouncer, high above the left ear climbing steeply, he takes on the pull but the extra bounce hurried him, it scratched the edge on the way through to Carey! big peal for lbw and given!

Bedingham pushes down the wrong line and that’ll its curtains. This was a length ball originating outside off but angling into middle and leg. Bedingham goes across, exposing his leg stump, and the ball hits the outside of his thigh.

The leg-stump being visible makes it an even easier decision for umpire Kettleborough. They don’t even review. Plumb dismissal and again Bedingham misses out on a half-century Oh no, not like this!

Strangled down leg, and Mulder is distraught. He trundles with face up, eyes closed. 134ks reverse-swinging ball on a fullish length.

Finished on leg stump The seam was pointing to leg slip, that fielder coming in is what set the tr. Mulder went for the flick/leg-glance off the knee-roll, which isn’t the worst shot but low-percentage considering the field, the movement in the air also helped take the small edge. Carey, with black gloves on, dove to the left and took a good low catch with one hand.

Ball stuck in the webbing, he somehow lifted the mitt with ball never getting in danger of brushing the ground. That wicket is a delight for superstition too as Lyon had switched the bails. Carey with a sharp take!

Pitches it up around off stump. It’s a rare fuller ball, and the ball hits the deck and generates a puff of dust. Stubbs gets low to attempt a drive, but all he does is get a nice edge off the bat.

Carey dives to his right and completes the catch Renshaw’s having a dream Test! And this time he’s got the SA ctain with a classical offspinner’s dismissal. Full outside off stump, Bavuma gets forward to defend, but it’s a bat-pad situation, and short-leg pounces onto that in a flash.

Renshaw’s maiden Test wicket! Garbage ball, golden arm! Renshaw has two in the Test and Australia has two in two balls.

This was wide on a length. Verreynne cut some room off for himself by planting the front foot outside off. It meant he had to try and drive it off the back foot through cover rather than cut it.

Didn’t do it with much bat speed and the ball went close to Carey’s pad and flat into Smith’s hands at first slip. Went flat and Smith’s elite reaction did the rest caught behind! Cracking bouncer, high above the left ear climbing steeply, he takes on the pull but the extra bounce hurried him, it scratched the edge on the way through to Carey!

big peal for lbw and given! Bedingham pushes down the wrong line and that’ll its curtains. This was a length ball originating outside off but angling into middle and leg.

Bedingham goes across, exposing his leg stump, and the ball hits the outside of his thigh. The leg-stump being visible makes it an even easier decision for umpire Kettleborough. They don’t even review.

Plumb dismissal and again Bedingham misses out on a half-century Renshaw’s having a dream Test! And this time he’s got the SA ctain with a classical offspinner’s dismissal. Full outside off stump, Bavuma gets forward to defend, but it’s a bat-pad situation, and short-leg pounces onto that in a flash.

Renshaw’s maiden Test wicket! Carey with a sharp take! Pitches it up around off stump.

It’s a rare fuller ball, and the ball hits the deck and generates a puff of dust. Stubbs gets low to attempt a drive, but all he does is get a nice edge off the bat. Carey dives to his right and completes the catch Oh no, not like this!

Strangled down leg, and Mulder is distraught. He trundles with face up, eyes closed. 134ks reverse-swinging ball on a fullish length.

Renshaw has two in the Test and Australia has two in two balls. This was wide on a length. Verreynne cut some room off for himself by planting the front foot outside off.

It meant he had to try and drive it off the back foot through cover rather than cut it. Didn’t do it with much bat speed and the ball went close to Carey’s pad and flat into Smith’s hands at first slip. Went flat and Smith’s elite reaction did the rest Aiden Markram brought up yet another fifty against Australia, South Africa vs Australia, 1st Test, Durban, 5th day, October 13, 2026 “It is not irrelevant because if you use the red one, all of a sudden you can’t play Test cricket past bad-light time.

But if you use the pink one, you can” Lungi Ngidi speaks to Shaun Pollock on the eve of South Africa’s World Cup match against India in Kolkata Lungi Ngidi speaks to Shaun Pollock on the eve of South Africa’s World Cup match against India in Kolkata, November 4, 2023 Matt Renshaw is having the game of his life, while the bowlers have plied consistent pressure on SA Matt Renshaw used his reach to play the sweep, South Africa vs Australia, 1st Test, Durban, 4th day, October 12, 2026 It is very early in the summer but there are worrying signs after the home side’s performance against Australia in Durban Tristan Stubbs pulls behind square, South Africa vs Australia, 1st Test, Day 3, Durban, October 11, 2026 Steven Smith was struck on the helmet in the second innings, South Africa vs Australia, 1st Test, Durban, 4th day, October 12, 2026 Australia allrounder also answers questions about whether he is worried about his spot in the XI after day four of the Durban Test against South Africa SA spinner also touches on the difficulty of facing a batter who sweeps and reverse sweeps after day four of the Durban Test against Australia Point Deductions England were deducted 2 points for slow over-rate in the match against India on 10th July 2025 Pakistan were deducted 8 points for slow over-rate in the match against Bangladesh on 8th May 2026 England were deducted 12 points for slow over-rate in the match against New Zealand on 18th June 2026 West Indies were deducted 2 points for slow over-rate in the match against Sri Lanka on 07th July 2026 Pakistan were deducted 11 points for slow over-rate in the match against England on 12th September 2026 A view of Harrup Park, Australia A v India A, Quadrangular A-team one-day series, final, Mackay, September 4, 2016 The magnificent Melbourne Cricket Ground in full bloom, Victoria v Queensland, FR Cup, MCG, February 6, 2008 A general view of the Adelaide Oval, South Australia v Tasmania, Sheffield Shield, 3rd day, Adelaide, November 24, 2013 A wide angle view of England’s match against South Africa at the Kensington Oval in Barbados, England v South Africa, Super Eights, Barbados, ril 17, 2007 A general view of Trent Bridge during the fourth Test, England v Australia, Trent Bridge, August 25, 2005 The Hagley Oval drew a big crowd , England v Scotland, World Cup 2015, Group A, Christchurch, February 23, 2015 A view of Harrup Park, Australia A v India A, Quadrangular A-team one-day series, final, Mackay, September 4, 2016 The clouds linger over the SSC in Colombo, before the rain fell to force a draw, Sri Lanka v England, 2nd Test, Colombo, December 13, 2007 The Galle Fort is in view as Shane Warne bowls, Sri Lanka vs Australia, 1st Test, Galle, 2nd day, March 9, 2004 A wide-angle view of The Wanderers, South Africa v West Indies, 5th ODI, Johannesburg, February 3, 2008 The clouds linger over the SSC in Colombo, before the rain fell to force a draw, Sri Lanka v England, 2nd Test, Colombo, December 13, 2007 The Galle Fort is in view as Shane Warne bowls, Sri Lanka vs Australia, 1st Test, Galle, 2nd day, March 9, 2004 The final day of the season unfolds under autumn sun at Old Trafford, Lancashire v Middlesex, County Championship, Division One, Old Trafford, September 26, 2014 After the rain the sun shone at Headingley, England v New Zealand, 2nd Investec Test, Headingley, 2nd day, May 25, 2013 After the rain the sun shone at Headingley, England v New Zealand, 2nd Investec Test, Headingley, 2nd day, May 25, 2013 A general view of Trent Bridge during the fourth Test, England v Australia, Trent Bridge, August 25, 2005 The magnificent Melbourne Cricket Ground in full bloom, Victoria v Queensland, FR Cup, MCG, February 6, 2008 A general view of the Adelaide Oval, South Australia v Tasmania, Sheffield Shield, 3rd day, Adelaide, November 24, 2013 The final day of the season unfolds under autumn sun at Old Trafford, Lancashire v Middlesex, County Championship, Division One, Old Trafford, September 26, 2014 After the rain the sun shone at Headingley, England v New Zealand, 2nd Investec Test, Headingley, 2nd day, May 25, 2013 A wide-angle view of The Wanderers, South Africa v West Indies, 5th ODI, Johannesburg, February 3, 2008 The clouds linger over the SSC in Colombo, before the rain fell to force a draw, Sri Lanka v England, 2nd Test, Colombo, December 13, 2007 The Galle Fort is in view as Shane Warne bowls, Sri Lanka vs Australia, 1st Test, Galle, 2nd day, March 9, 2004 The clouds linger over the SSC in Colombo, before the rain fell to force a draw, Sri Lanka v England, 2nd Test, Colombo, December 13, 2007 The Galle Fort is in view as Shane Warne bowls, Sri Lanka vs Australia, 1st Test, Galle, 2nd day, March 9, 2004 The Hagley Oval drew a big crowd , England v Scotland, World Cup 2015, Group A, Christchurch, February 23, 2015 A wide angle view of England’s match against South Africa at the Kensington Oval in Barbados, England v South Africa, Super Eights, Barbados, ril 17, 2007 After the rain the sun shone at Headingley, England v New Zealand, 2nd Investec Test, Headingley, 2nd day, May 25, 2013 Aiden Markram plays defensively, South Africa vs Australia, 1st Test, Durban, 5th day, October 13, 2026 Aiden Markram brought up yet another fifty against Australia, South Africa vs Australia, 1st Test, Durban, 5th day, October 13, 2026 SA v Aus 1st Test 2026 – Preview: World Test Championship final rematch could she next year’s decider Marco Jansen celebrates after having Marnus Labuschagne caught behind, Australia vs South Africa, World Test Championship final, 2nd day, Lord’s, June 12, 2025 South Africa offspinner on the Kingsmead wicket and the fierce contest he expects between the two teams SA vs AUS 2026/27, SA vs AUS 1st Test Match Report, October 09 – 13, 2026 – Markram hangs in even as Australia close in on Test win SA vs AUS 2026/27, South Africa vs Australia Match Report: Australia picked up two wickets in quick succession in the first session Tristan Lavalette is a journalist based in Perth Day 5 – Session 2: South Africa need 255 runs. ‘Don’t be scared’ – Pollock bats for pink-ball switch for light-affected Tests From batting collse to total control: Australia’s Durban turnaround Rickelton and Stubbs in the spotlight as SA struggle again Steven Smith assessed for concussion after blow on helmet Rid fire: Have SA’s spinners dispointed? Has Maddinson earned another Test?

Webster: Maddinson’s comeback a fantastic story Maharaj: We gave away a couple of soft wickets

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