DURBAN, Oct 9 (Reuters) – Australia’s captain Pat Cummins and batsman Matt Renshaw spearheaded a comeback on the first day of the first Test against South Africa, reaching a score of 187 for six when play was halted due to bad light. The match at Kingsmead saw the duo add an unbeaten 63 runs for the seventh wicket, with Renshaw not out on 46 and Cummins on 33.
The day’s play concluded one hour earlier than scheduled as dark and windy conditions prompted umpires to take players off the field. This decision followed a bouncer from South African bowler Anrich Nortje that soared over Renshaw’s head, leading the umpires to check light meters. After a waiting period of 45 minutes, they decided to call off play.
Nortje, returning to first-class cricket after nearly four years, made an impactful appearance, taking two wickets in quick succession shortly before the tea break. The 32-year-old fast bowler, who had not played since March 2023 due to injuries and a focus on T20 cricket, expressed relief at regaining his rhythm. He finished with figures of 2 for 40 in 13.2 overs.
Nortje’s Impact Felt
South Africa’s captain Temba Bavuma had highlighted Nortje’s potential “X-factor,” and the pace bowler delivered by dismissing Alex Carey and Beau Webster in quick succession, leaving Australia at a precarious 124 for 6.
“To be honest I thought I wasn’t going to get a wicket for the next few weeks the way the ball was passing the bat but then it was good to take the wickets and get the blood flowing again,” Nortje said after the day’s play.
In a notable contrast, Australian opener Nic Maddinson, who returned to the Test team after battling cancer, faced a challenging outing. He was dismissed without scoring, marking the longest duck by an Australian opener in Test history, having faced 33 deliveries. Maddinson was only confirmed in the starting lineup shortly before the match began.
Maddinson’s struggles complemented the early loss of Travis Head, which prompted Cummins and Renshaw to lead Australia’s fightback. Earlier, a 60-run partnership between Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith had provided some stability following the early wickets. Labuschagne was eventually dismissed for 37 by Wiaan Mulder.
This match marks Smith’s first Test appearance in South Africa since the infamous “Sandpapergate” incident in 2018 that led to his suspension. He scored 25 runs before being caught out in the first over after lunch as part of a bright but brief innings.
The match will continue on Saturday, with Australia looking to build on their current score and South Africa eager to capitalize on the momentum created by their bowlers.
