Heading into this SA vs AUS 2026 Test series, South Africa held a proud record under Bavuma: 12 Tests, 11 wins, 0 defeats, and one draw. This period also included the Proteas beating Cummins’ Aussie unit in the ICC WTC 2025 final.
While Bavuma’s record as Test skipper remains admirable, his undefeated streak has now been broken, and that could open the doors for Australia to further hammer down as this three-match South Africa vs Australia Test series progresses.
SA vs AUS: Australia thump South Africa in Durban – Report
At Kingsmead in Durban, Cummins won the toss and elected to bat first on a spicy pitch. The hosts were all over the visitors when they had Australia reeling at 124/6. But from thereon, Australia fought back strongly, first with the bat and then with the ball, to take ascendency in the game.
Matt Renshaw played one of the finest away knocks by an Australian batsman, scoring 190 runs off 397 balls while standing at the crease for more than seven hours in his marathon knock. He was competently supported by Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon.
Australia’s bowlers game out all guns blazing after their first innings total of 390. Several Protea batters got starts – six managed more than 30 – but none reached fifty. The famed Australian quartet shared nine wickets, with Steve Smith picking two great catches, as South Africa were bowled out for 284.
With a lead of 106 runs and another fight against the bad light, Australian batsmen batted aggressively in their second innings. Nic Maddinson whacked 48 off 38; Renshaw made 82 off 99; Beau Webster knocked 39* off 43; and captain Cummins blasted 32* off 12 balls as Australia set South Africa an improbable target of 421 after tea on day 4.
South Africa failed to bat out day 5 and were knocked out for 206, going down by 214 runs, with Josh Hazlewood scalping six wickets.
South Africa vs Australia 1st Test: Twitter reactions as Pat Cummins hands Temba Bavuma his first Test loss
Meanwhile, with this victory, Australia consolidated their position at the top of the ICC WTC points table, now having 81%, followed by New Zealand (72%) and South Africa (60%).
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