DAY 4: Aussies put foot down before lunch

Australia scored at a shade under five runs an over to reach 174 for four in 36 overs in their second innings at lunch on the fourth day of the first test at a virtually deserted Kingsmead in Durban on Monday.

The overall lead was 280 with the aim presumably being to send South Africa into bat sometime before tea with an overall lead of 360+.

Australia’s intentions were immediately apparent as Nick Maddinson, in particular, got stuck into the South African bowlers after the early loss of Travis Head who got a leading edge to be caught at midwicket by Temba Bavuma off Marco Jansen. The left-hander, who scored a 33-ball duck in the first innings, was a different player in the cause of scoring quick runs, racing to 48 in 38 balls, including six fours and two sixes, until he had his stumps spectacularly spreadeagled by an Anrich Nortje yorker.

Nortje unsettled the pairing of Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne with some fast sharply rising deliveries; on one occasion smacking Smith on his helmet. But the Australians continued to maintain a brisk rate of accumulation with the pair raising their 50 partnership in 77 balls before Smith, who had driven Simon Harmer for one straight six, attempted another and was well caught at long-on after a little juggle by Jansen.

Labuschagne and Renshaw continued to score briskly, adding a further 32 in 31 balls before Labuschagne played early at Keshav Maharaj, scooping the ball to Bavuma in the covers who took a low catch

A positive Renshaw was unbeaten on 32 in 47 balls at the break accompanied by Alex Carey (5).

The Durban weather has been well-nigh perfect for the match, except for the early endings to the day because of bad light, but the crowds have been disappointing with the Aussie tour groups outnumbering local fans this morning.

SOUTH AFRICA: Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, David Bedingham, Temba Bavuma (capt), Tristan Stubbs, Wiaan Mulder, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Marco Jansen, Simon Harmer, Keshav Maharaj, Anrich Nortje.

AUSTRALIA: Travis Head, Nicolas Maddinson, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Matthew Renshaw, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (capt), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood.

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