Matt Renshaw's career-best 190 guided Australia to 390 all out on day two of the first Test against South Africa in Durban, with the hosts reaching 27-1 before bad light ended play.
Key facts
- Matt Renshaw scored a career-best 190 on day two at Kingsmead, Durban.
- Australia were bowled out for 390, with Renshaw the last man out just after tea.
- South Africa reached 27 for one in reply before play ended early due to bad light.
- The innings was Renshaw's first Test century in nine years.
- Nathan Lyon helped build the second-highest ninth-wicket partnership.
Matt Renshaw produced a career-best 190 to put Australia firmly in control on the second day of the first Test against South Africa at Kingsmead, Durban, on Saturday. His innings guided the tourists to a total of 390 all out, according to Sky Sports.
The Queensland batsman returned from what the Guardian described as a decade on the periphery of the Test side to deliver the defining performance of the day. His century was his first in Tests for nine years, marking a significant personal milestone.
Renshaw’s path back into the spotlight came after a reshuffle in Australia’s batting order. The Guardian reported that the decision to ask Nic Maddinson to open in Durban pushed Renshaw down to number five, a move that ultimately paid off as he saved Australia from peril before lifting them to dominance.
Support from the lower order was central to Australia’s total. Renshaw batted through two extended sessions and was the last man out, just after tea. Nathan Lyon played his part in what the Guardian said was the second-highest ninth-wicket partnership.
In reply, South Africa reached 27 for one before stumps. According to Sky Sports, play was ended prematurely by bad light, leaving the hosts with work to do to close the gap in the first innings.
The day leaves Australia well placed in the opening match of the series, with Renshaw’s return to form providing a major boost to the tourists’ line-up.
Why it matters
Renshaw's 190 marks a dramatic return to form for a batsman who had not scored a Test century in nine years, reshaping Australia's batting hopes in the series. With Australia posting 390 and South Africa early in their reply, the first Test is set up to favour the tourists.
Frequently asked questions
How many runs did Matt Renshaw score?
Matt Renshaw scored a career-best 190, his first Test century in nine years, and was the last man out just after tea.
What was Australia's total and South Africa's reply?
Australia were bowled out for 390, and South Africa reached 27 for one before play ended early due to bad light.
Why did Renshaw bat at number five?
According to the Guardian, the decision to ask Nic Maddinson to open in Durban pushed Renshaw down to number five in the order.