Photo via Sportstar

SA vs AUS, 1st Test: Pacers dent Australia to put South Africa on top in shortened Day 1

South Africa took an early lead in the first Test of the World Test Championship series, dismissing Australia for 187-6 on a shortened Day 1 at Kingsmead Oval. The Proteas capitalized on a strong bowling performance, with Wiaan Mulder and Marco Jansen leading the attack.

Mulder claimed two wickets, while Jansen’s dismissal of Steven Smith proved pivotal. Australia’s innings collapsed after Travis Head and Nic Maddinson fell early, leaving Matt Renshaw and Pat Cummins to steady the ship with an unbeaten 63-run partnership.

The match was cut short by bad light after 24.4 overs, leaving Australia struggling to rebuild after key wickets fell in quick succession. This is Australia’s first tour of South Africa since the 2018 ball-tampering scandal, adding extra weight to the high-stakes encounter.

South Africa, defending their 2025 World Test Championship title, will look to build on this momentum as the series unfolds.

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