The innings saw Renshaw surpass the previous record for the highest individual score by an Australian at the Durban venue, eclipsing the 160 set by Phillip Hughes in 2009. Furthermore, his performance established a new benchmark for the highest Test score by a batter at the ground coming in at No. 5 or lower, moving past the 153 not out recorded by Sri Lanka’s Kusal Perera in 2019.
A marathon effort to rebuild the innings
Australia’s prospects appeared bleak early on, with the side struggling at 84-4 on the opening day and slipping further to 124-6. Renshaw, however, remained composed throughout his 397-ball stay at the crease. He struck 21 boundaries and a single six, gradually shifting the momentum back toward the tourists.
A pivotal moment in the innings arrived through a stubborn ninth-wicket partnership with Nathan Lyon. The pair frustrated the South African bowling attack for an extended period, adding 134 runs to the total. Lyon provided vital support, facing 92 balls for his 27 runs before being dismissed leg before wicket by Marco Jansen. Renshaw’s own journey to the milestone was methodical; he reached his second Test century off 204 balls—his first since a 184-run effort against Pakistan in 2017—before pushing on to 150 off 311 deliveries.
Context and match standing
Renshaw’s 190 now ranks as the fourth-highest score by an Australian in a Test match on South African soil, sitting behind Greg Blewett’s 214, Adam Gilchrist’s unbeaten 204, and Herbie Collins’ 203. His innings eventually concluded when he was caught at slip off the bowling of Simon Harmer.
Following the conclusion of the Australian innings, South Africa faced a brief period of play before stumps on the second day. The hosts reached 27-1, trailing by 363 runs. Josh Hazlewood claimed the early wicket of Ryan Rickelton for a duck. Aiden Markram and David Bedingham remained at the crease, unbeaten on 15 and 12 respectively. The match has been hampered by inclement weather, with rain causing 14.2 overs to be lost on Saturday, following a significant washout during the final session of the first day.
