Matt Renshaw produced a remarkable display of patience and resilience to put Australia in a commanding position against South Africa in the ongoing first Test match at Kingsmead in Durban. The left-handed batter struck a career-best 190 off 397 deliveries, rescuing his side from a difficult situation on Day 2. In the process, Renshaw achieved a significant batting milestone, surpassing Virat Kohli‘s unique record.

Matt Renshaw overtakes Virat Kohli in Test cricket record

Renshaw rewrote the record books with his exceptional contribution alongside Australia’s lower order. He accumulated 174 runs while batting with the tailenders, surpassing Kohli’s previous benchmark of 171 runs, which the Indian batter had recorded during his memorable 235-run innings against England at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai in 2016.

The Australian batter’s achievement reflected his ability to maintain concentration and build partnerships even as wickets continued to fall at the other end. His innings became particularly important after Australia found themselves struggling at 124/6, leaving the visitors in danger of registering a disappointing first-innings total.

Renshaw made the most of the support available from his lower-order teammates. He scored 41 runs in an 86-run partnership with captain Pat Cummins, who contributed 43. He then added 12 runs during a 20-run stand with Mitchell Starc before combining with Nathan Lyon for a crucial 134-run partnership.

The stand with Lyon proved especially significant, with Renshaw contributing 100 runs to the partnership while Lyon added 27. The left-hander subsequently collected another 21 runs in a 26-run stand with Josh Hazlewood, taking his tally alongside the lower order to a record-breaking 174.

Also READ: Fans react as Matt Renshaw smashes a fighting century against South Africa on Day 2 of the 1st Test

Renshaw misses double century by a whisker

Renshaw came agonisingly close to registering his maiden Test double century but fell just 10 runs short of the landmark. His marathon knock lasted 397 balls and included 21 boundaries and one six, underlining the discipline and determination required to bat for such an extended period in challenging circumstances.

The 30-year-old remained Australia’s most dependable batter throughout the innings, absorbing pressure and frustrating South Africa’s bowling attack. His dismissal, off the bowling of Simon Harmer, eventually brought an end to an innings that had transformed Australia’s fortunes.

South Africa’s bowlers worked hard to contain the visitors, with Wiaan Mulder finishing as the leading wicket-taker with figures of 4/68. Marco Jansen claimed three wickets, while Anrich Nortje picked up two as Australia were eventually bowled out for 390.

The hosts began their reply cautiously but lost Ryan Rickelton for a duck to Hazlewood. Aiden Markram remained unbeaten on 15, while David Bedingham was not out on 12 when bad light forced an early end to the day’s play. South Africa reached 27/1 at stumps, trailing Australia by 363 runs. With Renshaw’s monumental innings giving the visitors a substantial first-innings total, Australia will look to press home their advantage as the Test progresses.

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