Photo via Sportstar

SA vs AUS, 1st Test: Cummins helps Australia take control as visiting side leads by 139 runs on Day 1

Australia’s Pat Cummins dominated South Africa’s batting lineup on Day 1 of the first Test, claiming three wickets as his side seized a commanding 139-run lead. The hosts were bowled out for 284 in their first innings, with Cummins (3/54) leading a collective effort from Mitchell Starc (2/63), Josh Hazlewood (2/54), and Nathan Lyon (2/58).

South Africa’s top scorer, David Bedingham, was dismissed twice by Cummins, while Aiden Markram (37) and Tristan Stubbs (32) fell early in the collapse. Australia, meanwhile, had already posted 390 in their first innings, thanks in part to Matt Renshaw’s career-best 190, which helped them recover from a shaky 124 for six.

By stumps, Australia was 33-0 in their second innings, with Nic Maddinson (17*) and Travis Head (10*) setting the tone for the chase. The match carries added weight as Australia returns to South Africa for the first time since the 2018 ball-tampering scandal, while the hosts, as reigning world champions, seek redemption after losing the 2025 final to Australia.

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