South Africa will enter the final day of the first Test against Australia needing a remarkable turnaround after closing on 102 for four in pursuit of 421 at Kingsmead in Durban.
Australia strengthened its position throughout day four on Monday, 12 October, first pushing its second innings to 314 for six and then removing four of South Africa’s top-order batters. The target would require a record Test run chase, while the Proteas must still score 319 runs with six wickets remaining.
Matt Renshaw again played the central role for the visitors. After making 190 in Australia’s first innings, he added a brisk 82 from 99 balls as the tourists looked to create enough time to force a result despite the poor light that had shortened play earlier in the match. Nic Maddinson contributed 48 from 38 deliveries, while captain Pat Cummins accelerated the declaration with three sixes in one over.
South Africa’s reply began badly when Josh Hazlewood dismissed Ryan Rickelton in the fourth over. Aiden Markram and David Bedingham then steadied the innings with a 66-run partnership, briefly giving the hosts a platform from which to resist Australia’s attack.
That recovery faded when Hazlewood trapped Bedingham leg before wicket for 46. Cummins removed Tristan Stubbs, and Renshaw then made an unexpected impact with his part-time off-spin by claiming his first Test wicket, dismissing captain Temba Bavuma before the close.
Markram remained unbeaten on 45 from 115 balls and now carries much of South Africa’s hope. With variable bounce and increasing turn offering assistance to Australia’s bowlers, the immediate task is to survive the opening session before the Proteas can consider whether the target is still within reach.
The visitors need six wickets on the final day to complete victory in the series opener. South Africa, meanwhile, will require a long partnership from Markram and the remaining middle order to prevent Australia from converting its commanding position into a win.
Source: Reporting based on Sport South Africa. Featured image: Gerhard Duraan/Gallo Images, as credited by the source.