DURBAN : Josh Hazlewood claimed six wickets to lead Australia to a 214-run victory over South Africa on the final day of the first test at Kingsmead on Tuesday, putting the visitors 1-0 ahead in the three-match series.
South Africa were dismissed for 206 before tea, with Hazlewood taking 6-49 as Australia claimed the six wickets they needed to seal victory in the first test between the sides since South Africa defeated Australia in last year’s World Test Championship final at Lord’s.
The 35-year-old fast bowler struck twice in an over with the new ball after taking two wickets on Monday, breaking through South Africa’s stubborn resistance before returning to dismiss the final batter.
South Africa had survived the first 110 minutes of Tuesday’s play before Hazlewood removed Wiaan Mulder, who edged a leg-side delivery to wicketkeeper Alex Carey, diving to take the catch.
Mulder and Aiden Markram had resumed at 102-4 overnight and extended their fifth-wicket partnership to 69 runs from 205 balls before the breakthrough, with Mulder contributing 29.
Matt Renshaw, named player of the match for his batting contributions, then claimed his second test wicket when Kyle Verreynne was caught at slip by Steve Smith without scoring after playing an ill-judged shot.
South Africa reached lunch at 166-6 and added 25 runs before Australia took the new ball, after which the innings unravelled quickly.
Marco Jansen was bowled by Hazlewood for 35, and three balls later Simon Harmer was caught by Carey after the ball brushed his glove.
Markram’s patient innings of 75 from 237 balls ended when he edged Mitch Starc’s delivery to the wicketkeeper. He was given out following a television review.
Hazlewood completed the victory when tailender Anrich Nortje chipped a delivery towards short midwicket, where Nathan Lyon took the catch.
CUMMINS PRAISES HAZLEWOOD
“Josh is known for being consistent but that undersells him as he can reverse the ball, get the pace up, bowl anywhere; he’s a captain’s dream,” Australia skipper Pat Cummins said.
South Africa captain Temba Bavuma, whose 12-test unbeaten run as skipper ended with the defeat, acknowledged Australia’s superiority.
“You’ve got to give it to Australia, they dominated most of the game. Their bowling was proactive and we’ll learn from how they played,” he said.
Smith, who missed the final session of fielding on Monday after being struck on the helmet while batting, returned to the field on Tuesday after being cleared under Cricket Australia’s concussion protocols.
“Steve Smith has undergone a series of clinical assessments over the past 24 hours in accordance with Cricket Australia’s concussion protocols and has been cleared to take the field this morning,” the governing body said in a statement.
