Leading fast bowler Josh Hazlewood produced a match-winning spell of six wickets in the second innings as Australia defeated South Africa by 214 runs in the first Test at Kingsmead Stadium on Tuesday, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
However, Hazlewood struck again to bowl Jansen and complete his 15th five-wicket haul in Test cricket, leaving South Africa’s lower order exposed. Pat Cummins led the attack with three wickets, while Hazlewood, Starc and Nathan Lyon claimed two wickets apiece. No South African batter managed to score a half-century in the innings.
South Africa resumed the final day at 102/4, needing another 319 runs to win or bat out the remaining 90 overs to salvage a draw. Aiden Markram, who was unbeaten on 45 overnight, offered determined resistance and completed his 14th Test half-century, taking 129 balls to reach the milestone. Markram continued to fight at one end, finding support from Marco Jansen, who scored 35. Australia’s bowlers responded strongly, dismissing the hosts for 284 to secure a 106-run first-innings lead.
