Australia takes control in Durban

Australia's bowling quartet of Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon dismissed South Africa for 284 on day three of the first Test in Durban.

Australia's first innings sets the stage

Australia scored 390 in their first innings, with Matt Renshaw grinding out a superb 190 to bail out the struggling batting line-up across the first two days.

South Africa starts well then collapses

South Africa reached 82-1 in response, with Aiden Markram and David Bedingham building a second-wicket partnership progressing at almost four point five runs per over.

Australia changes tactics and tightens grip

At the twenty-over mark, captain Cummins reverted to Australia's tried and tested approach, with Lyon at one end and the quicks rotating at the other, dragging back their lengths.

Batsmen forced into mistakes

With deliveries easy to hit scarce, Markram and Bedingham attempted forced back-foot drives and edged to slip for 37 and 49 respectively, contrasting sharply with Renshaw's disciplined approach.

Smith reaches historic milestone

Steve Smith took three catches, including two spectacular efforts off Nathan Lyon, moving to 223 Test catches and surpassing Joe Root as the non-wicketkeeper with the most catches in Test history.

“He's an absolute freak. He practices that in training.”

Quartet's dominance continues

The four bowlers now have 607 wickets in Tests in which they have played as a quartet, far ahead of the next most successful four-pronged attack with 415 wickets.

Australia's pace remains sharp

At 37, Starc's average pace of 141.21 kilometres per hour in 2026 is higher than any of his past three years, and he is averaging his most swing in a calendar year since 2015.

Australia poised to press advantage

At 33-0 in their second innings, Australia lead South Africa by 139 runs with two days remaining to press home their advantage in the five-day Test.