Matt Renshaw’s record 190 puts Australia in control against South Africa in Durban

Australia took control of the opening Test against South Africa after Matt Renshaw produced a career-best 190 runs on the second day at Kingsmead in Durban on Saturday October 10, 2026.

Australia took control of the opening Test against South Africa after Matt Renshaw produced a career-best 190 runs on the second day at Kingsmead in Durban on Saturday October 10, 2026.

Renshaw’s outstanding innings helped Australia reach 390 all out in their first innings. South Africa finished the day at 27 for one after bad light brought play to an early end. Aiden Markram was unbeaten on 15 while David Bedingham was not out on 12 as the hosts prepared to continue their reply on the third morning.

South Africa lost Ryan Rickelton early when he was caught by Beau Webster at third slip off Josh Hazlewood without scoring.

The highlight of the day was Renshaw’s record ninth-wicket partnership of 134 runs with Nathan Lyon, who contributed 27. It was the highest ninth-wicket stand by Australia against South Africa and the biggest partnership for that wicket in a Test at Durban.

Renshaw also registered the highest score by a number-five batter in a Test match at Kingsmead. His 190 came from 397 deliveries reflecting a patient approach that helped Australia recover after struggling at 124 for six on the opening day.

He had earlier added 86 runs for the seventh wicket with captain Pat Cummins who scored 43. Their partnership helped Australia rebuild before South Africa made further inroads into the lower order.

South African all-rounder Wiaan Mulder took four wickets for 68 runs including the dismissal of Cummins while Marco Jansen claimed three wickets for 68. Mulder also praised Renshaw’s composure saying the Australian batter played according to the situation and built valuable partnerships.

Renshaw was eventually dismissed shortly after tea when he edged Simon Harmer’s delivery to Markram at slip.

The innings was especially significant because Renshaw had struggled for runs in recent Test appearances recording single-digit scores in 11 of his previous 13 innings. His second Test century came nearly nine years after his first an innings of 185 against Pakistan in 2017.

Despite being struck on the helmet by fast bowler Anrich Nortje Renshaw regained his composure and continued batting effectively.

With South Africa at 27 for one the opening Test remains in progress but Renshaw’s marathon innings has given Australia a substantial first-innings advantage.