Renshaw's career-best 190 puts Australia in command of Durban Test

Matt Renshaw produced an epic, career-best innings to put Australia firmly in control of the first Test against South Africa in Durban, a throwback knock that answered mounting questions about the tourists' ageing top order.

From 124-6 to 390 all out

The 30-year-old, born in Middlesbrough and a childhood friend of England captain Joe Root, ground out a majestic 190 from 397 deliveries, dragging Australia from a precarious 124-6 to 390 all out. It was his first Test century in more than nine years and 280 days, and a powerful statement from a player whose international career has been strikingly in and out.

Renshaw scored 184 in his fourth Test against Pakistan in January 2017 after debuting aged 20, but averaged just 19.41 across 10 Tests before his recall earlier this year. This time, on a pitch that flattened out on day two but is expected to take turn later in the match, he showed impeccable patience and resilience.

A throwback innings

After much talk about the issues among Australia's top order on day one, Renshaw left well throughout day two, largely scoring square or behind the wicket. He attacked only 14.2% of deliveries in making his first 50 runs — the lowest figure among Australia's top order — and struck just three boundaries on day one.

He extended his morning partnership with captain Pat Cummins to 86, then expertly controlled a stand of 134 with number 10 Nathan Lyon to frustrate and tire South Africa's bowlers. Renshaw took the strike when needed, protecting Lyon from the pace of Anrich Nortje, but grew increasingly aggressive as the partnership swelled. He added a further 21 alongside number 11 Josh Hazlewood before falling in the first over after tea, leaving South Africa 22 overs to bat and losing opener Ryan Rickelton for a three-ball duck.

"I like him as a player. When he first came in, I liked him as a player, even though others thought he was too defensive. I think that is what this team has needed and been crying out for."

— former Australia batter Simon Katich, on SEN Radio

A top-order puzzle remains

Renshaw's superb innings has left Australia well placed to push for victory, but it does not ease every question over the make-up of their side. When he was recalled in August it was in place of Jake Weatherald as opener, but he was moved down to number five for this Test after Cameron Green was ruled out. Nic Maddinson came in at the top of the order alongside Travis Head, giving Australia an 11th different opening partnership since the retirement of David Warner.

With Green, the regular number five, expected to return and Maddinson making a 33-ball duck on day one, a solution to their top-order struggles would be to move Renshaw up again — reuniting him with Head, who moved to opener to impressive effect in the Ashes but has also been vulnerable, failing to pass 22 in his four innings since.

Context of the series

This series has been eagerly anticipated as a repeat of last year's World Test Championship final, won by the Proteas. It is also the third in a possible 21 Tests for Australia before the end of the Ashes next summer, and while Renshaw has surely secured his immediate future at least, the broader top-order debate will rumble on.