Renshaw's 190 lifts Australia from 124 for six to 390 in Durban Test

Matt Renshaw scored 190 to lift Australia to 390 all out on day two of the first Test against South Africa in Durban. Australia had been 124 for six on day one. South Africa were 27 for one at stumps.

The innings is Renshaw's highest Test score. It passes his previous best of 184. It is also his first Test century in more than nine years. Renshaw made his Test debut aged 20.

Renshaw batted at number five after Cameron Green was ruled out through injury. Nic Maddinson opened the batting for Australia.

How the innings unfolded

On the morning of day two, Renshaw and captain Pat Cummins took their partnership to 86. Cummins was out for 43. Renshaw and Nathan Lyon then added 134 for the ninth wicket. Renshaw was the last man out, shortly after tea.

According to The Guardian, Renshaw was caught at slip driving off-spinner Simon Harmer, two balls after the resumption following tea. BBC Sport reported that his 190 came from 397 balls. The Guardian said Lyon made 27 from 92 balls. It described the 134-run stand as Australia's second-highest ninth-wicket partnership in Tests.

Wiaan Mulder took wickets for South Africa. BBC Sport gave his figures as 4 for 68. Anrich Nortje bowled during Renshaw's innings and targeted Lyon at times.

Records

According to The Guardian, the 190 is the highest Test score by an Australian in Durban, passing Phil Hughes's 160. The Guardian also reported a gap of nine years and 280 days between Renshaw's Test centuries. Only Bob Simpson and Warren Bardsley among Australians waited longer between hundreds, it said.

South Africa's reply

Josh Hazlewood dismissed opener Ryan Rickelton. The Guardian reported that Rickelton edged a drive to slip. BBC Sport said he was out for a three-ball duck, and that Aiden Markram was 15 not out at stumps. Bad light ended play before the scheduled close, with South Africa having faced fewer than nine overs. The Guardian put South Africa's deficit at 363 runs going into day three.

What each side says

BBC Sport quoted Renshaw as saying: "A few years out of the team, I had the opportunity in 2023, you think [you're] never going to get the opportunity again." On his future batting position, BBC Sport quoted him as saying: "That's well above my pay grade." He added: "Whatever is the best for the team is the one for me. I am not too fussed."

Former Australia batter Simon Katich spoke on SEN Radio, according to BBC Sport. BBC Sport quoted him as saying: "When he first came in, I liked him as a player, even though others thought he was too defensive." He added: "I think that is what this team has needed and been crying out for."

The reports reviewed by Vocemundi do not include comment from South Africa's players or management. They also do not include any statement from Australian selectors on Renshaw's batting position.

Analysis

The innings may shape Australia's selection choices. BBC Sport reported that Green is expected to return, and that Renshaw was recalled in August as an opener. BBC Sport also said Maddinson's selection gave Australia their 11th different opening partnership since David Warner's retirement. One scenario is that Renshaw moves back to opening; another is that he keeps a middle-order place. Renshaw himself said the decision is not his. For South Africa, much may depend on day three. BBC Sport reported that the pitch flattened out but is expected to take turn later, which could make batting harder later in the match.

Produced by the Vocemundi newsroom with AI assistance.