Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Matt Renshaw produced a remarkable display of patience and resilience to score a career-best 190, rescuing Australia from a precarious position and putting the visitors in command of the first Test against South Africa at Kingsmead in Durban. Australia were bowled out for 390 on the second day on Saturday, before South Africa reached 27 for one in their reply, with bad light bringing an early end to proceedings.
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Renshaw’s monumental innings came after Australia had slumped to 124 for six on the opening day. The left-hander, batting at number five, stood firm as wickets tumbled around him, turning a potential batting disaster into a competitive first-innings total. His 190 came off 397 balls, an innings built on discipline, concentration and the ability to punish loose deliveries.
South Africa vs Australia, 1st Test Day 2: Highlights | Scorecard
The knock was particularly significant given Renshaw’s recent struggles in Test cricket. He had managed single-digit scores in 11 of his previous 13 Test innings, making his turnaround in Durban all the more impressive. His second Test century came almost nine years after his maiden hundred of 185 against Pakistan in Sydney in January 2017.
CUMMINS-RENSHAW PARTNERSHIP SPARK AUSTRALIA’S REVIVAL
Renshaw began rebuilding Australia’s innings alongside captain Pat Cummins on the opening day, with the pair adding 86 runs for the seventh wicket. Cummins contributed a valuable 43, providing support as Renshaw gradually shifted the momentum in Australia’s favour.
Australia resumed day two at 187 for six, hoping the overnight partnership would lay the foundation for a substantial total. However, South Africa struck back when Wiaan Mulder dismissed Cummins, caught by Aiden Markram at second slip. Mulder then bowled Mitchell Starc for six, leaving Australia in danger of being dismissed cheaply.
Renshaw refused to panic. He continued to rotate the strike intelligently, ensuring he retained the majority of the strike while Nathan Lyon offered stubborn resistance at the other end. Even after being struck on the helmet by Anrich Nortje, the Australian batter regained his composure and continued his marathon innings.
His ability to manage the lower order proved decisive as Australia steadily pushed towards the 400-run mark.
RECORD-BREAKING STAND FRUSTRATES PROTEAS
The defining moment of Australia’s innings came through a remarkable 134-run partnership between Renshaw and Lyon for the ninth wicket. It was Australia’s highest ninth-wicket stand against South Africa in Test cricket and also a record for the wicket at Kingsmead. Lyon contributed a determined 27, allowing Renshaw to continue accumulating runs and push the visitors towards a formidable total.
Renshaw eventually fell shortly after tea, edging Simon Harmer to Markram at slip, just 10 runs short of a double century. His dismissal ended a memorable knock that had transformed Australia’s fortunes after their early collapse.
Mulder was South Africa’s most successful bowler, finishing with four wickets for 68 runs, while Marco Jansen claimed three for 68. Despite their efforts, the hosts were unable to prevent Renshaw from taking Australia to 390 all out.
South Africa’s reply began poorly when Josh Hazlewood removed Ryan Rickelton for a duck, with Beau Webster taking the catch at third slip. Markram and David Bedingham then steadied the innings, remaining unbeaten on 15 and 12 respectively as the hosts reached 27 for one before bad light stopped play.
Australia will take confidence from their recovery, although South Africa remain within reach of the visitors’ total. With the pitch and conditions likely to play an important role, the third day promises to be crucial in determining which side gains the decisive advantage.
– Ends
SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
