Australia recovered from a disappointing start to their first Test against South Africa as Matt Renshaw led the fightback on day two.

Renshaw scored 190 as Australia went from 187-6 to 390 all out in Durban, where the hosts also lost a wicket before play once again ended early due to bad light.

Renshaw and Cummins (43) resumed at the crease, putting together an 86-run partnership before the latter fell to Wiaan Mulder (4-68), who also dismissed Mitchell Starc (6) soon after.

Lyon (27 off 92) then helped Renshaw frustrate the South African bowlers as they formed a 134-run stand off 286 balls, though Marco Jansen (3-68) eventually intervened and trapped Lyon lbw.

Renshaw fell 10 runs short of a maiden double-century as he was caught off the bowling of Simon Harmer (1-68), though his innings put Australia in a commanding position.

And the tourists strengthened their grip on the match late on, as Josh Hazlewood (1-9) dismissed Ryan Rickelton (0) to leave South Africa 27-1 at stumps.

A second Test century for Matt Renshaw, almost 10 years apart. The latest on his breakthrough Test knock: https://t.co/OJILrURoCR https://t.co/fbUFAI1fcM

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) October 10, 2026

Renshaw marks return with special knock

Renshaw had been out of the Test side for three years before this match, and he will now be one of the first names on the teamsheet for the second Test.

He recorded his first century in the longest format since 2017, when he scored 184 against Pakistan in Sydney, while he is also the first Australian number five to face 300+ balls in a men's Test innings (Adam Voges, 2016).

On the other hand, South Africa will be bitterly disappointed to have not restricted Australia to under 250 after their hard work on day one, with their batting unit now tasked with a big challenge on day three.

Cummins and Lyon faced a combined 190 deliveries, 27 more than Australia's top four batters, though the Proteas can take some comfort in knowing the pitch is improving in favour of the batters.