Renshaw rescues Australia after Maddinson opener gamble collapses in Durban

Australia 187 for 6 on rain-shortened opening day in Durban

Australia’s first Test in South Africa since the 2018 ‘Sandpapergate’ scandal began with a predictable top-order implosion after selectors George Bailey and Tony Dodemaide opted for a high-risk opening gamble. Coach Andrew McDonald backed the call, but Nic Maddinson lasted just 33 balls for a duck and Australia slumped to 187 for 6 by the time bad light ended play at Kingsmead.

The decision to catapult Maddinson in after he had not played first-class cricket since March 2025, and had not played it well since March 2024, was criticised as bizarre, especially sending the left-hander to open against bounce and movement in South Africa. The selectors had defended the move by pointing to his record against spin, but the assignment proved a pace test.

Maddinson was first reprieved when nailed on the pad by Wiaan Mulder after 15 balls, spared by an umpire error and a timid South African non-review. The reprieve did not change the narrative. His innings was shuffling and defensive, dealing in extras until the bottom edge from a wild cut took out his stumps. He later chopped on from Marco Jansen to make it 24 for 2 after Travis Head had already nicked Mulder down the leg-side.

Smith and Labuschagne provide brief resistance

The throwback partnership of Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne steadied the innings. Labuschagne looked sharp early, flicking Mulder through midwicket, while both were busy against left-arm spin of Keshav Maharaj. Smith thumped Maharaj for two straight sixes in an over and Labuschagne drove four through cover. Their stand of 60 by lunch looked promising.

The momentum turned on the last ball of the session. Labuschagne was given out lbw to Mulder with ball-tracking showing a marginal umpire’s call on impact in line with off-stump. Smith followed three balls and 40 minutes later, caught at gully straight after the interval, a ball after Jansen had troubled his glove. The pair made 37 and 25 respectively.

Nortje spell and Renshaw rescue

Anrich Nortje then produced a fierce spell, targeting Alex Carey around the wicket with short balls before drawing a drive to slip for 14 once he moved over the wicket. Beau Webster followed immediately, slight movement away drawing a nick that wasn’t given. Temba Bavuma had already burned two reviews, so South Africa took the risk with his final review.

At 124 for 6 disaster beckoned, but Matt Renshaw, moved unexpectedly into the middle order, and Pat Cummins batted beyond tea to add 63. Renshaw batted time and used the occasional bad ball while Cummins used Nortje’s pace effectively to pick off boundaries.

With only 65.2 overs bowled, Australia retain a vast amount of time in the Test. Renshaw’s unbeaten 46 will need support from the bowlers to become a platform on day two if the tourists are to keep a foothold in the series against the world Test champions.