Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins put Australia on top as South Africa face a 319-run chase on Day 5 | Cricket news

Australia sealed the first Test against South Africa in Durban, leaving the hosts needing another 319 runs with six wickets to seal a stunning Day 5 victory. Matt Renshaw continued his outstanding performance with 82, while Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins struck crucial blows to put Australia firmly in control.After taking a lead of 106 runs in the first innings, Australia declared their second innings at 314/6 to set South Africa a difficult innings of 421. The hosts reached 102/4 at stumps, with Aiden Markram unbeaten on 45 and Wiaan Mulder by his side, as Australia moved within six wickets of victory.

Matt Renshaw, Pat Cummins powered Australia to a 420-run lead

Australia started Day 4 in a dominant position and continued to pile on the runs. Nic Maddinson provided an attacking start with 48 off just 38 balls, while Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne helped extend the lead before both fell in the morning session.Renshaw then took over, adding 48 runs with Alex Carey and 65 with Beau Webster. The left-hander followed up his first innings 190 with a brilliant 82 off 99 balls before Keshav Maharaj got him out with a fine return wicket. Cummins provided the fireworks late on, smashing four sixes in an unbeaten 32 off just 12 deliveries. Australia added 140 runs in 22 overs during the second session before being bowled out for 314/6, restricting South Africa to 421.

Hazlewood, Renshaw and Cummins left South Africa in trouble

South Africa’s chase was disrupted when Hazlewood dismissed Ryan Rickelton. However, Markram and David Bedingham withstood the Australian attack for almost 20 overs, putting together a stubborn partnership that threatened to frustrate the visitors. Hazlewood finally broke free to trap Bedingham leg before the wicket on 46. Renshaw then struck another blow with the ball, dismissing South African captain Temba Bavuma and leaving the hosts under pressure.Cummins added to South Africa’s woes by dismissing Tristan Stubbs after a series of short deliveries created the breakthrough. Markram and Mulder survived the remaining overs to take South Africa to 102/4 at stumps.

South Africa is facing a tough final day challenge

South Africa need another 319 runs on day 5, with six wickets remaining, to reach 421. Markram’s unbeaten 45 gives the hosts hope, but Australia will be confident of finishing the job after a strong fourth day.Hazlewood led the attack with two goals, while Cummins and Renshaw chipped in with one each. Australia now need six more wickets to secure victory, while South Africa must produce a strong batting effort to keep the Test alive.Brief scores: Australia 390 (Matt Renshaw 190; Wiaan Mulder 4/68) and 314/6 declared (Matt Renshaw 82, Nic Maddinson 48; Anrich Nortje 2/56) lead South Africa by 284 and 102/4 (David Bedingham Mark Josh 46/50; by 319 runs.