Australia keep door open for shuffling batting order

Australia captain Pat Cummins stated the team remains open to shuffling their Test batting order based on conditions, though moving Matt Renshaw from No. 5 would require a compelling case. Renshaw scored 272 runs across two innings batting in the middle order during Australia's overseas victory against South Africa in Durban, stepping in after an injury to Cameron Green forced a strategic reshuffle that also brought Nic Maddinson back as opener.

Cummins emphasized that Australia values tactical flexibility, noting options to rotate Renshaw, Maddinson, and Travis Head between opening and middle-order roles for the upcoming second Test in Gqeberha. Green's fitness remains uncertain, while Marnus Labuschagne and Steven Smith remain set at No. 3 and No. 4 respectively. The Durban win was sealed by Josh Hazlewood's career-best bowling figures of 6 for 49.