Australia ended Day 1 of the first Test against South Africa at 187/6 after bad light stopped play at Kingsmead, Durban on Friday, October 9, 2026. Matt Renshaw and Pat Cummins helped Australia recover after the team lost several wickets.
South Africa will try to take the remaining four wickets early on Day 2, while Australia will aim to build a stronger total.
Australia struggles after losing early wickets.
Australia had a difficult start having chosen to bat. The South African bowlers kept the pressure on and took wickets at regular intervals.
Nic Maddinson was dismissed for a duck and Travis Head scored only nine runs. Marnus Labuschagne made 37, and Steve Smith added 25. But Australia could not turn these starts into big scores.
Alex Carey achieved 14 runs and Beau Webster was dismissed for four. Australia soon found themselves in trouble at 124/6.
South Africa’s bowlers made good use of the conditions. Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen and Anrich Nortje each took two wickets to give the home side some control in the beginning of the innings.
Renshaw and Cummins Help Australia Recover
Matt Renshaw and Pat Cummins brought Australia some relief with an important partnership. Renshaw remained unbeaten on 46 and captain Cummins was not out on 33.
The pair made 63 runs for the seventh wicket and helped Australia to a more competitive total. Their partnership was crucial as Australia had lost six wickets when they were at 125.
Renshaw showed patience at the crease, and Cummins supported him with some good runs. Their partnership prevented South Africa from taking complete control of the innings.
Australia finished the day 187/6 after 65.2 overs. The team will hope the pair can continue their partnership when play resumes.
What will happen on Day 2?
Day 2 is important for both teams on Saturday, October 10.
Australia will want Renshaw and Cummins to continue batting for as long as possible. Australia could put more pressure on South Africa if they can add another 50 or more runs.
The bottom-order batters will also need to contribute. Australia cannot afford to lose the remaining wickets quickly after working hard to recover on Day 1.
South Africa will also look to remove Renshaw and Cummins early. Removing the two highest run-scorers could see the hosts finish the Australian innings without the score getting too high.
Australia will need to bowl well and take early wickets after batting to stay in the match. The pitch and weather conditions can also play a role in the Test.
AUS vs SA 1st Test: Day 1 Summary
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Match: Australia vs South Africa, first Test
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Venue: Kingsmead, Durban
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Day 1 score: Australia 187/6 in 65.2 overs
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Top scorer: Matt Renshaw, 46 not out
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Important partnership: Renshaw and Pat Cummins added 63 runs
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Top South African bowlers: Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen and Anrich Nortje took two wickets each
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Day 2: Saturday, October 10, 2026
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