Middlesbrough-born Renshaw's epic 190 lifts Australia

Middlesbrough-born Renshaw's epic 190 lifts Australia First Test, Durban (day 2 of five) Australia 390: Renshaw 190, Cummins 43; Mulder 4‑68 South Africa: Yet to bat Scorecard: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/scorecard/e-236997 Matt Renshaw produced a career‑best 190 from 397 balls, steering Australia from 124‑6 to a total of 390 all out. The 30‑year‑old, born in Middlesbrough and a childhood friend of England captain Joe Root, whose fathers once played together in English county cricket, moved with his family to New Zealand and then Australia at age seven. The innings served as a clear statement from a player whose international record has been intermittent. Renshaw had previously made 184 in his fourth Test, against Pakistan in January 2017, after receiving his debut at 20. Prior to his recall earlier this year, he had averaged 19.41 over ten Tests. On the first day against South Africa, the left‑handed batsman managed only three boundaries, attacking just 14.2 % of deliveries while compiling his initial fifty – the lowest proportion among Australia’s top order. He adopted a restrained approach, scoring mainly square or down the wicket as day two progressed. Renshaw added 86 runs with skipper Pat Cummins in the opening stand before forging a 134‑run partnership with number 10 Nathan Lyon. That stand frustrated and tired the South African bowlers, with Renshaw shielding Lyon from the pace of Anrich Nortje before becoming more aggressive, seeking boundaries and increasing pressure. He contributed a further 21 runs with number 11 Josh Hazlewood before falling in the first innings after tea. South Africa were left with 22 overs to bowl and lost opener Ryan Rickelton for a three‑ball duck. Former Australia batter Simon Katich, speaking on SEN Radio, said, “I like him as a player.” He added, “When he first came in, I liked him as a player, even though others thought he was too defensive.” Katich concluded, “I think that is what this squad has needed and been crying out for.” Read the full story at BBC News →