Australia builds lead against South Africa in first test, 174-4 at lunch on day four

DURBAN, South Africa (AP) — Australia built a solid lead in its second innings on day four of the first cricket test against South Africa, reaching 174-4 (36 overs) at lunch.

The visitors scored at nearly 4.65 per over through the morning session, taking its overall lead to 280 runs, after it took a first innings’ lead of 106 runs.

Matt Renshaw scored 190 in the first innings as Australia made 390. South Africa was bowled out for 284 in reply.

At the lunch break, Renshaw was unbeaten on 32 runs with Alex Carey (5 runs) for company.

Australia had finished day three at 33-0 when bad light stopped play. It set a hectic pace on this fourth morning, scoring 78 runs in the first hour of play.

Nic Maddinson overcame his first innings’ duck to score 48 off 38 balls with two sixes and six fours.

Travis Head though only made 11 and was first out, caught off Marco Jansen at mid-on. The openers had added 43 runs.

Maddinson was out before drinks, bowled by Anrich Nortje in the 11th over.

Steve Smith (27) and Marnus Labuschagne (37) then drove the innings forward, putting on 53 off 77 balls for the third wicket.

Smith hit a six and three fours, before falling to off spinner Simon Harmer. Renshaw-Labuschagne added a quick-fire 32 off 31 balls for the fourth wicket to further extend Australia’s lead, which could force a declaration later in the day.

South Africa are the reigning world test champions, and they beat Australia in the 2025 final. It is Australia’s first trip to the country since the 2018 ball tampering scandal when they last toured here.

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