Australia won the toss and chose to bat in the first match of the three-Test World Test Championship series. However, South Africa’s bowlers struck regularly to put the visitors under pressure before Renshaw and Cummins steadied the innings.
Mulder, Jansen strike early
Wiaan Mulder and Marco Jansen helped South Africa make an early impact, reducing Australia to 24/2.
Travis Head was the first batter to depart after being caught behind off Mulder for nine. Nic Maddinson, who recently recovered from testicular cancer, returned to Australia’s Test side for the first time since 2016. He opened alongside Head but failed to score off 33 deliveries before Jansen bowled him.
Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne then added 60 runs for the third wicket to help Australia recover. However, Mulder dismissed Labuschagne for 37 just before lunch. The batter reviewed the lbw decision, but it stood on umpire’s call.
Beau Webster, who was adjudged caught behind for four.
With Australia in danger of being bowled out for a low total, Renshaw and Cummins came together to put up a fight. Their unbeaten 63-run partnership took Australia to 187/6 before bad light stopped play 24.4 overs before the scheduled close.
South Africa, led by Temba Bavuma, are the reigning World Test champions after beating Australia in the 2025 final. The series also marks Australia’s first tour of South Africa since the 2018 ball-tampering scandal.