DURBAN: Josh Hazlewood produced a devastating bowling performance to claim six wickets in the second innings as Australia defeated South Africa by 214 runs in the opening Test at Kingsmead on Tuesday, successfully defending a formidable target of 421 runs.
South Africa resumed the final day at 102/4, with opener Aiden Markram and all-rounder Wiaan Mulder tasked with keeping the hosts in contention for a draw. The pair negotiated Australia’s bowling attack comfortably during the opening 110 minutes, raising hopes of a determined fightback.
However, Australia captain Pat Cummins’ decision to introduce a double bowling change paid dividends in the 67th over when Hazlewood dismissed Mulder for 29, caught behind to break the fifth-wicket partnership.
The pressure intensified for South Africa in the following over as Matt Renshaw removed wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne for just one run, leaving the home side struggling at 156/6.
Markram continued to resist alongside Marco Jansen, with the duo putting together a 45-run stand for the seventh wicket over more than 17 overs. Their patient approach offered South Africa a brief reprieve, but Australia’s bowlers had the final say after the second new ball was taken.
The visitors dismantled the remaining batting order in dramatic fashion, claiming all four wickets for just five runs in a span of 16 deliveries to seal an emphatic victory.
Markram was South Africa’s leading scorer in the second innings, battling for 237 deliveries to make 75, including 10 boundaries. Jansen provided support with a fighting 35 off 54 balls, but neither could prevent the hosts from suffering a heavy defeat.
Hazlewood was the standout performer with the ball, finishing with impressive figures of six wickets for 49 runs in 16.5 overs. Renshaw claimed two wickets, while Mitchell Starc accounted for the crucial wicket of Markram.
Renshaw’s all-round contribution earned him the Player of the Match award. He had struck a magnificent 190 in Australia’s first innings before adding a rapid 82 in the second innings and contributing two wickets with the ball.
The defeat also brought an end to Temba Bavuma’s unbeaten record as South Africa’s Test captain. The loss marked his first defeat in 13 matches as leader, making the opening Test a disappointing milestone for the Proteas skipper.
Australia’s commanding performance, powered by Renshaw’s exceptional batting and Hazlewood’s decisive spell, handed the visitors a convincing series-opening victory and put South Africa under immediate pressure.
