Proteas put pressure on Australia on Day 1 of Kingsmead Test

October 9, 2026 5

Australia’s reshuffled batting line-up struggled against a disciplined Proteas seam attack on Day 1 of the ICC World Test Championship clash in Durban.

Nic Maddinson was bowled by, Marco Jansen, leaving Australia under early pressure after captain, Pat Cummins, won the toss and opted to bat first.

Opener, Travis Head, was dismissed following a successful South African review, before Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne steadied the innings with a 60-run partnership.

Smith took the attack to spinner, Keshav Maharaj, with a pair of sixes, while Labuschagne accumulated 37 runs before he was trapped lbw by Wiaan Mulder on the final ball before lunch.

Smith fell shortly after play resumed, caught at gully off Jansen. Returning to Test cricket after three and a half years, Anrich Nortje, struck twice in the same over, dismissing Alex Carey for 14 and Beau Webster for four.

Matt Renshaw (46*) anchored Australia’s fightback alongside skipper Cummins (33*), grinding through to the tea break to keep Australia’s first-innings hopes alive.

However, bad light ended play prematurely, with both batters still at the crease as South Africa enjoyed the upper hand on the opening day.

The two sides are meeting in Test cricket for the first time since last year’s World Test Championship final at Lord’s.

Reigning champions, South Africa are currently second in the WTC Standings while the visitors, Australia occupy the top spot.

Into The Final Session! 💪

Mulder starts with a maiden as play resumes in the third session of Day 1! 🇿🇦

AUS are 149/6 after 54 overs. 🏏

#Unbreakable #SAvAUS https://t.co/M3oEDlRWdg

— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) October 9, 2026