Renshaw keeps Australia’s hopes intact against South Africa after Maddinson gamble fails

Australia reached 187 for 6 on day one of the first Test against South Africa in Durban before bad light ended play early. Matt Renshaw led a lower-order recovery with an unbeaten 46, combining with Pat Cummins in an unbroken 63-run partnership after Australia had collapsed to 124 for 6. Earlier, makeshift opener Nic Maddinson was dismissed for a 33-ball duck after a controversial recall by Australian selectors.

Geoff Lemon argues that the decision by selectors George Bailey and Tony Dodemaide to open with Maddinson was bizarre and predictable in its failure. Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, and Anrich Nortje made key breakthroughs for the hosts, removing Travis Head, Steve Smith, and Marnus Labuschagne before Renshaw and Cummins stabilized the tourists' innings.