Matt Renshaw’s 190 lifts Australia against South Africa in Durban

I like him as a player, former Australia batter Simon Katich said on SEN Radio, as reported by AOL. 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.

Matt Renshaw scored an epic 190 from 397 balls on October 10, 2026, during the second day of the first Test in Durban, lifting Australia to a total of 390 all out against South Africa. The knock marks Renshaw’s first Test century in more than nine years, dragging Australia out of trouble from 124-6 and placing the tourists in a strong position before bad light halted South Africa’s reply at 27-1.

Matt Renshaw Grounds Out Career-Best Century in Durban

Resuming his innings on day two, the 30-year-old left-hander built crucial partnerships to frustrate the Proteas bowling attack. He extended his morning-session stand with captain Pat Cummins to 86 runs before engineering an expert 134-run partnership with number 10 Nathan Lyon, protecting his partner from the pace of Anrich Nortje.

According to AOL, Renshaw became increasingly aggressive as the partnership grew, adding another 21 runs with number 11 Josh Hazlewood before finally falling in the first over after tea. His painstaking innings included attacking just 14.2% of deliveries during his first 50 runs—the lowest figure among Australia’s top order—and relying heavily on leave shots while scoring square or behind the wicket.

South Africa’s Mulder finished as the pick of the bowling figures with 4-68. In response, Australia’s pace attack struck early when Josh Hazlewood removed opener Ryan Rickelton for a three-ball duck before fading light brought an early halt to proceedings with Aiden Markram unbeaten on 15.

Selection Dilemmas Linger Despite Individual Triumph

BBC Sport reported that while Renshaw has likely secured his immediate international future, his landmark innings does not entirely resolve ongoing questions regarding Australia’s top-order composition. When recalled in August, Renshaw replaced Jake Weatherald as an opening batsman, but he was shifted down to number five for this Test because Cameron Green was ruled out.

Nic Maddinson stepped in at the top of the order alongside Travis Head, marking Australia’s 11th different opening partnership since the retirement of David Warner. Maddinson subsequently recorded a 33-ball duck on day one.

With regular number five Green expected to return to the squad, a potential solution to Australia’s opening struggles involves moving Renshaw back to the top to reunite with Head. Head enjoyed notable success as a makeshift opener during the Ashes—scoring centuries in Perth, Adelaide, and Sydney—though he has experienced recent vulnerability, failing to pass 22 in his last four innings.

Alternatively, Renshaw could retain his spot in the middle order while Green returns at the expense of fellow all-rounder Beau Webster, leaving the search for a settled opening pair open.

No idea, Renshaw said regarding his future batting position, as cited by BBC Sport. That’s well above my pay grade. Whatever is the best for the team is the one for me. I am not too fussed.

World Test Championship Rematch Resumes on Weary Pitch

The current two-match series carries added weight as a high-profile rematch of last year’s World Test Championship final, which was won by the Proteas. It also marks the third fixture in a possible 21 Tests scheduled for Australia leading up to the conclusion of the Ashes next summer.

Ground conditions in Durban flattened out significantly on day two, aiding Renshaw’s marathon knock, but surfaces at Kingsmead are traditionally expected to deteriorate and take considerable turn as the match moves into its latter stages. South Africa will resume their first innings trailing by 363 runs when play continues on day three.

When I hit the ball I was screaming at it ‘go, go, go’. It hit me all at once. It was pretty special.

Matt Renshaw