Temba Bavuma’s dream run as Test captain finally ended on Tuesday as he suffered his first defeat in the format. He is well ahead of second-placed Hashim Amla, who suffered his first defeat as Proteas captain after eight matches. Australia beat South Africa by 214 runs in the first match of the three-Test series in Durban. Bavuma, who was already the South Africa skipper with the most Tests before suffering a defeat, now holds the record with 12 matches. With the victory, Pat Cummins-led Australia strengthened their position at the top of the World Test Championship standings with 81.82 percentage points.
It was Smith’s fifth catch of the match in which he became the world record-holder for the most catches by a fielder in Test cricket. Opening batter Aiden Markram defied the bowlers for one minute short of six hours, scoring 75 before he was the ninth batter out, caught behind off an inside edge from Mitchell Starc. Mulder was caught down the leg side by wicketkeeper Alex Carey off Hazlewood for 29 after a 139-minute innings during which he faced 110 balls. It was the continuation of a dream match for Renshaw, who top-scored in both innings with 190 and 82 and then took his first Test wicket when he dismissed South Africa captain Temba Bavuma on Monday.
The rest of the table remains unchanged. The Blackcaps are in second position with 72.22 percentage points, while the Proteas’ tally has dipped to 60.00.
