Josh Hazlewood claimed 6-49 as Australia crushed South Africa by 214 runs at Kingsmead, dismissing the hosts for 206 to take a 1-0 lead in the three-Test series.
Matt Renshaw's career-best 190 propelled Australia to 390 all out, while Josh Hazlewood removed Ryan Rickelton cheaply as South Africa reached 27-1 before bad light intervened.
Pat Cummins says Australia must learn to grind out Test results as they prepare for a tricky South Africa challenge at Kingsmead.
Australia's Matt Renshaw has broken Virat Kohli's record for the most runs scored while batting with lower-order batters and tail-enders (numbers 8 to 11) in a single Test innings, achieving 174 runs during his 190-run knock against South Africa in Durban.
Pat Cummins hailed Australia's grit and ruthlessness in their 214-run win over South Africa, praising Matt Renshaw's rescue act, Josh Hazlewood's six-wicket haul and the selectors' decisions.
South Africa's Anrich Nortje, returning to first-class cricket after nearly four years, took two quick wickets to leave Australia struggling at 149-6 at tea on the opening day of the first Test. Nortje's fiery spell after lunch justified his recall, as he dismissed Alex Carey and Beau Webster in quick succession.
Australia and South Africa are set to begin a three-match Test series in Durban, with both teams looking for a boost after recent setbacks. The pitch at Kingsmead is expected to favour spinners, a departure from South Africa's usual seamer-friendly conditions, potentially influencing team selections.
Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood believes reverse swing will be a crucial factor in the ongoing three-test series against South Africa, attributing its resurgence to the abrasive pitches. He successfully utilised this technique in the first test, which Australia won, and expects similar conditions for the second test in Gqeberha. Hazlewood also reflected on his recent performance and career longevity.
Australian batsman Steve Smith admitted to feeling anxious after being hit on the head during the first Test against South Africa, fearing another concussion, despite passing all protocols.
Shukri Conrad has demanded sharper batting and greater mental toughness from South Africa after their 214-run defeat to Australia, urging composure over knee-jerk changes ahead of Sunday's second Test.
Australia's veteran bowling attack, featuring Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Nathan Lyon, delivered a decisive performance in the first Test against South Africa in Durban. Their combined effort led Australia to a 214-run victory, with Hazlewood taking career-best figures. Captain Cummins lauded the bowlers' rigorous preparation and team-first approach, highlighting their continued effectiveness despite their age.
Temba Bavuma blamed South Africa's lack of fight and mental lapses for their 214-run defeat to Australia, rejecting rustiness as an excuse ahead of the second Test.
Steve Smith created history with a record 223rd Test catch as Australia took a 139-run lead over South Africa on Day 3 of the first Test at Kingsmead on Sunday.
South Africa's pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada will miss the first Test against Australia due to a hamstring injury, with captain Temba Bavuma confirming the team will field two spinners, Simon Harmer and Keshav Maharaj, for the Durban match.
Pat Cummins and Matt Renshaw led Australia's fightback against South Africa, adding an unbeaten 63-run stand before bad light ended the opening day at 187/6.
Steve Smith surpassed Steve Waugh's Test run tally in 42 fewer matches, moving behind only Ricky Ponting and Allan Border among Australia's leading run-scorers.
South Africa has made significant changes to their squad for the second Test against Australia in Gqeberha, dropping Tristan Stubbs and calling up Matthew Breetzke. Ryan Rickelton will take over as wicketkeeper, likely leading to Kyle Verreynne's exclusion from the playing XI. These changes come after their heavy defeat in the first Test, with lead pacer Kagiso Rabada expected to return.
South Africa, reeling from a 214-run defeat in the first Test against Australia, is determined to level the series in the second Test starting Sunday in Gqeberha. The hosts are expected to make several team changes, including the return of paceman Kagiso Rabada, as they look to overcome batting fragilities exposed in the previous match. Australia, despite their dominant win, might consider workload management for their fast bowlers amidst forecasts of persistent rain.
Australia need six wickets on final day to win first Test as South Africa were reduced to 102 for 4 at stumps on day four in Durban.
Australia's cricket coach Andrew McDonald indicated that selectors remain open to further changes in the batting order for the second Test against South Africa, depending on the pitch conditions in Gqeberha. This follows a successful, albeit surprising, lineup in the first Test where Nic Maddinson opened and Matt Renshaw excelled at number five. While former captain Steve Waugh urged consistency, McDonald emphasised the panel's flexible approach. The team is also monitoring the fitness of Cameron Green and Josh Inglis.
Former South Africa all-rounder Shaun Pollock has called for the use of pink balls in traditional daytime Test matches to reduce playing time lost due to bad light, following interruptions in the ongoing first Test between South Africa and Australia.
Cancer survivor Nic Maddinson returned to Test cricket after battling testicular cancer, but Marco Jansen dismissed the Australian opener for a duck against South Africa.
Simon Harmer believes franchise T20 cricket has softened the fierce Australia-South Africa rivalry by turning international opponents into teammates, though he expects intense competition in the Test series.
Pat Cummins has played down concerns Usman Khawaja's autobiography could reopen Sandpapergate, saying the 2018 scandal was dealt with.
Mitch Marsh will captain Australia in the first ODI against South Africa, despite Pat Cummins' arrival. Cummins is focusing on the upcoming Test series, allowing Marsh to continue leading the ODI side after a successful series in Zimbabwe. Cummins might return for later matches in the series, which serves as preparation for next year's World Cup.
Australia has announced its 16-member squad for the upcoming three-Test tour of South Africa, with top-order batsman Marnus Labuschagne retaining his place despite recent poor form.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced 12 venues across South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia for the 2027 ODI World Cup, marking the tournament's return to Africa after 24 years, with a new 57-match, three-stage format designed to enhance competitiveness and fan experience.
Cricket South Africa CEO Pholetsi Moseki expressed excitement as the brand identity and 12 host venues for the 2027 ODI Cricket World Cup were unveiled, marking the tournament's return to Africa after 24 years with a new three-stage format.
India Women to travel to South Africa for five-match T20I series
Eight of South Africa's top cricket stadiums, including Wanderers in Johannesburg, Durban's Kingsmead and Newlands in Cape Town, have been confirmed as venues for the 2027 ICC ODI World Cup, a News24 report said on Wednesday.
SA20 turns 4: Social healer, job creator and a new lucrative option for players around globe
Images from the fifth T20 International between India and South Africa, in Ahmedabad, on Friday.
South Africa pacer Morne Morkel was surprised at the nature of pitch on offer at the Kingsmead after India took early control of the series-deciding second cricket Test by finishing day one on a commanding 181 for one.
He looked uncomfortable as he scored 15 before being trapped lbw in what was his last contribution.
Sunrisers Eastern Cape came up with a clinical performance with both bat and ball to register a 58-run bonus victory over Durban Super Giants in the SA20 match at Kingsmead.
The smart money may be on a draw going into Day 5, but the second Test between South Africa and India was all about Kallis, and it will not be complete without a Proteas victory.
Pakistan were always struggling to keep up the required run rate despite captain Mohamed Rizwan batting through to the last over before being dismissed for 74.
South African captain Graeme Smith is delighted that the Kingsmead track in Durban, known for its bounce and carry, is the best he had seen for some years, which should help his fast bowlers against Indian batsmen in the second Test starting on Sunday.
With 20 points in their kitty, the Royals are within touching distance of becoming the first team to qualify for the play-offs.
Sri Lanka used the seamer friendly conditions at Kingsmead to reduce South Africa to 80/4 before rain stopped play on the opening day of the first Test
