Australia need six wickets on day five to defeat South Africa in the first Test in Durban.

After Australia posted a target of 421, the Proteas finished day four on 102-4, as Matt Renshaw once again starred for the tourists.

Nic Maddison (48) and Travis Head (11) started the day at the crease, but the latter was dismissed by Marco Jansen (1-45) before Maddison was bowled by Anrich Nortje (2-56) just short of his fifty.

Marnus Labuschagne (37) and Steve Smith (27) failed to build on their solid starts, but Renshaw's 82 allowed Beau Webster (39 not out) and Pat Cummins (32 not out off 12) to score some quick runs before declaring at 314-6.

Josh Hazlewood (2-20) dismissed Ryan Rickelton (2) early on before trapping David Bedingham (46) lbw during his second spell.

Renshaw (1-16) removed South Africa captain Temba Bavuma for just one run, with Tristan Stubbs (1) losing his wicket to Cummins (1-27) soon after.

Opener Aiden Markram (45 not out) and Wiaan Mulder (5 not out) will start the final day out in the middle, with the Proteas left with a huge task on their hands to avoid defeat.

Stumps, Day 4!  What a day of Test cricket at Hollywoodbets Kingsmead!  #TheProteas end the day on 102/4 after 41 overs, needing 319 more runs to win.  Play resumes tomorrow at 09:30am on the final day of this opening Dafabet Test match. #Unbreakable #SAvAUS https://t.co/QsBTsmiPY2

— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) October 12, 2026

Renshaw provides the magic touch

Renshaw's 190 in his first innings set the tone for what has been an impressive display so far by Australia, and his performance on day four has put the tourists in a commanding position.

His 292 runs across both innings are the highest match total for Australia since Labuschagne's 308 against West Indies in 2022, but not many would have predicted his contribution with the ball.

Renshaw picked up his first-ever wicket in Test cricket, and it was an important one as Proteas skipper Bavuma was dismissed late on in the day.

It will take something special for South Africa to win from here; victory in this Test would see the Proteas set a new record for the biggest chase in the longest format, though they are likely to play for a draw on day five.