DURBAN : South Africa seized the initiative on the opening day of the first test against Australia on Friday, reducing the visitors to 187 for six at stumps after a disciplined bowling performance led by Anrich Nortje and Marco Jansen.
Veteran fast bowler Nortje struck twice in the post-lunch session, removing Alex Carey and Beau Webster cheaply to put Australia under pressure.
Australia’s top order had struggled earlier in the day, with Travis Head dismissed for nine and Nic Maddinson making a 33-ball duck on his test comeback after a decade away from the side.
Marnus Labuschagne, who scored 37, and Steve Smith, with 25, offered some resistance as Australia attempted to rebuild, but neither batter was able to convert his start into a substantial innings.
Nortje and Jansen claimed two wickets each, while Wiaan Mulder also picked up two to keep South Africa firmly in contention.
The match marks the first test meeting between the sides since South Africa defeated Australia in the 2025 World Test Championship final.
Both teams are among the leading contenders in the current World Test Championship standings, making the series an important contest in the race to qualify for the 2027 final.
