Josh Hazlewood brought Temba Bavuma’s unbeaten run as South Africa’s Test captain to an end as Australia sealed a 214-run victory over the hosts in the first Test at Kingsmead, Durban, on Tuesday. The right-arm pacer claimed six wickets on the final day to bowl South Africa out for 206 and give Australia a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Bavuma had won 11 of his first 12 Tests as captain, making him the most successful South African skipper by victories before suffering a defeat. However, Australia’s relentless bowling attack finally broke the hosts’ resistance, with Hazlewood finishing the match with figures of 6/49 in the second innings.
SA vs AUS, 1st Test Day 4: Highlights | Scorecard
South Africa resumed at 102/4 on the final morning, with Aiden Markram and Wiaan Mulder tasked with keeping the chase alive. The pair added 69 runs for the fifth wicket off 205 balls, showing patience against an Australian attack that needed six wickets to wrap up the match.
Hazlewood broke the stand after 110 minutes of resistance when Mulder edged a leg-side delivery to wicketkeeper Alex Carey, who took a diving catch. Mulder departed for 29, and South Africa’s hopes of mounting a serious challenge faded quickly.
Matt Renshaw then struck, removing Kyle Verreynne for a duck after the batter miscued a shot that was caught by Steve Smith at slip. South Africa went into lunch at 166/6, still needing a substantial contribution from their lower order to extend the contest.
HAZLEWOOD SEALS THE DEAL
The hosts added 25 runs after lunch before Australia took the new ball, and Hazlewood immediately made an impact. He bowled Marco Jansen for 35 and dismissed Simon Harmer three balls later, with the latter gloving the ball through to Carey.
Markram remained South Africa’s last major hope, but his patient 75 off 237 balls ended when he edged Mitchell Starc’s delivery off his pads and was caught behind. The dismissal was confirmed after a television review.
Hazlewood then completed the victory by removing Anrich Nortje, who chipped the ball towards short midwicket for Nathan Lyon to take the catch. Australia had claimed the six wickets required on the final day, with Hazlewood finishing with eight wickets in the match.
The result gives Australia a 1-0 advantage in the series and marks their fourth successive Test win at Kingsmead since 2006. The contest was the first Test meeting between the sides since South Africa defeated Australia in the World Test Championship final at Lord’s last year.
Meanwhile, former Australia captain Smith returned to the field on Tuesday after missing Monday’s late session following a blow to the head while batting. Cricket Australia confirmed he had completed clinical assessments under its concussion protocols and had been cleared to play.
– Ends
