Josh Hazlewood reminds Australia of his worth with 6-49 to see off South Africa

Josh Hazlewood claimed a career-best six for 49 to dismiss South Africa for 206, sealing a 214-run victory for Australia on the fifth day in Durban. As teammates Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, and Nathan Lyon struggled to regularly pierce South Africa's second-innings defence, Hazlewood repeatedly broke stubborn partnerships. His spell guided Australia to an opening series lead on October 13, 2026.

Hazlewood ended critical stands by removing David Bedingham, Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, and Simon Harmer, before bowling out Anrich Nortje to conclude the match. South Africa's resistance was anchored by Aiden Markram, who scored 75 in nearly six hours. The haul brought Hazlewood to 311 career Test wickets, drawing him level with Zaheer Khan and Ishant Sharma.