Australia are six wickets away from winning the first Test against South Africa in Durban. South Africa finished day four on 102 for 4, chasing a target of 421, and need 319 more runs on the final day at Kingsmead.
How Day Four Unfolded
Australia declared at tea on 314 for 6 in their second innings, scoring at 5.41 runs an over. Matt Renshaw made 82 off 99 balls, Nic Maddinson 48 and Beau Webster 39 not out. Captain Pat Cummins finished on 32 not out off just 12 balls before declaring. Australia’s lead was 420 runs.
South Africa then lost four wickets before stumps. Josh Hazlewood had Ryan Rickleton caught for 2 early on and trapped David Bedingham lbw for 46. Late in the day Renshaw took his first Test wicket, having Temba Bavuma caught at short leg for 1, and Cummins removed Tristan Stubbs for 1.
Renshaw’s Match
Renshaw has been the standout player of the Test. He made 190 in Australia’s first innings and 82 in the second, 272 runs in all, and ABC reports he is the only batter to pass 50 in the match. Cricinfo says he returned to Test cricket in August after three and a half years away.
The Chase
South Africa need to score 421 to win. News24 described the task as a world-record chase. They have not made more than 284 in an innings this match. Aiden Markram is not out on 45 off 115 balls and Wiaan Mulder is on 5, with six wickets in hand.
Australia are aiming for a fourth consecutive Test win at Kingsmead. Steve Smith, who broke the Test catching record on day three, did not take the field on day four after a blow to the head while batting, according to Cricinfo.
GUZ Analysis: What South Africa Need
South Africa scored at about 2.5 runs an over on day four. If a full 90 overs are bowled on day five, they would need roughly 3.5 an over to reach 421, with only six wickets to lose. That leaves two realistic outcomes: an Australian win, or a long, patient innings that tries to bat out the day for a draw.
What’s Next
The Test is the first of three. The second is scheduled for 18 to 22 October and the third for 27 to 31 October.
GUZ Sport will bring you the result and reaction from Kingsmead.
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