Australia faced early trouble against South Africa on the first morning of the first Test at Kingsmead in Durban on Friday, October 9, 2026. Winning the toss and choosing to bat, the visitors made 84/3 at lunch and South Africa made great progress in the first session.
Wiaan Mulder was the standout bowler with two wickets, and Marco Jansen dismissed opener Nic Maddinson. Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne briefly steadied the Australian innings before Mulder struck again only minutes before the break.
Australia vs South Africa: First Session Score
Australia: 84/3 at lunch
- Travis Head: 9 runs
- Nic Maddinson: 0 runs
- Marnus Labuschagne: 37 runs
- Steve Smith: 25 not out
- Wiaan Mulder: Two wickets
- Marco Jansen: One wicket
South Africa took the advantage by removing Australia's two opening batters and then dismissing Labuschagne at a crucial moment. Smith remained at the crease and Australia had some hope of recovering from the early setbacks.
Wiaan Mulder Gives South Africa the Breakthroughs
Mulder made the most of his opportunity with the ball and dismissed Travis Head and Labuschagne. Head was caught down the leg side by wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne after an appeal was initially turned down and South Africa reviewed the decision.
Labuschagne appeared more comfortable in his innings and scored 37 and had a 60-run partnership with Smith. But Mulder trapped him leg before wicket shortly before lunch. The ball would have hit the top of off stump and it was a major breakthrough for the hosts.
The wicket prevented Australia from gaining much momentum in the intervening interval.
Nic Maddinson's Difficult Return
Maddinson had a poor return to Test cricket. After Cameron Green was ruled out with an abdominal strain, the left-hander struggled to score against South Africa's attack.
Marco Jansen eventually bowled him for a duck after Maddinson had faced 32 deliveries. His 33-ball duck underlined the pressure on Australia's opening combination and left the middle order with an early challenge.
Maddinson's selection attracted attention because he was brought into the side despite limited first-class cricket. His return was also significant after his recovery from testicular cancer.
Steve Smith and Labuschagne Offer Resistance
Smith and Labuschagne helped Australia to recover from the loss of Head and Maddinson. Their partnership provided more stability, with Smith attacking spinner Keshav Maharaj for two sixes and Labuschagne finding boundaries on the leg side.
However, Mulder’s late strike ensured South Africa finished the session on top. Australia still had experienced batters available, but the hosts had made a bit of pressure by taking three wickets before lunch.
What Does This Hold for the Match?
South Africa will continue to exploit the conditions at Kingsmead while Australia will require Smith and the new batters to come together into a strong partnership. The first session emphasized disciplined bowling and the danger of losing wickets in clusters.
The first session belonged to South Africa but the match remained open. Australia's recovery after lunch would be critical to determine whether the visitors could deliver a competitive first-innings total.
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