Josh Hazlewood produced career-best bowling figures of 6 for 49 in South Africa’s second innings as Australia won the 1st Test at Kingsmead, Durban by 214 runs on October 13 2026. The match ran from October 9 to 13, with South Africa bowled out for 206 while chasing a target that was always beyond their reach.
Matt Renshaw was the standout performer across both innings, scoring 190 in Australia’s first innings and adding 82 in the second. He also contributed with the ball, claiming 2 wickets for 39 runs in South Africa’s second innings, and was named Player of the Match for his all-round efforts.
Australia posted 390 in their first innings before declaring their second innings at 314 for 6, setting South Africa a formidable target. South Africa had managed 284 in their first innings, leaving them needing a substantial fourth-innings total that Hazlewood and the Australian attack made impossible.
How did South Africa’s second innings collapse?
South Africa’s second innings of 206 featured periods of resistance before a sharp collapse ended their hopes. Aiden Markram provided the most sustained effort, scoring 75 off 237 balls to give the hosts a platform. Wiaan Mulder contributed 29 off 109 deliveries, showing patience without being able to shift the momentum in South Africa’s favour.
Marco Jansen scored 35 and shared a 45-run stand with Markram before being bowled by Hazlewood, a partnership that briefly offered South Africa some encouragement. Once that stand ended, the lower order offered little resistance. South Africa lost their last four wickets for just 5 runs, a collapse that confirmed Australia’s control and sealed the 214-run victory.
Hazlewood was the central figure throughout the innings, finishing with 6 for 49. His wickets arrived at critical moments and denied South Africa any meaningful lower-order partnerships.
What does this spell mean for Hazlewood’s Test record?
The figures of 6 for 49 are the best of Josh Hazlewood’s Test career. The Durban performance also brought up his 15th five-wicket haul in Test cricket, reinforcing his standing as one of Australia’s most dependable pace bowlers in the format.
Renshaw’s contributions across both innings made him the clear choice for Player of the Match. His first-innings 190 formed the foundation of Australia’s commanding total of 390, while his 82 in the second innings helped set a target South Africa could not pursue. His 2 for 39 with the ball added further value to an exceptional all-round display.
Australia lead the series 1-0 heading into the remaining Tests of the 2026-27 tour of South Africa.
