Australia clinched the initiative in the opening Test match against South Africa at Kingsmead as Australia took two new wickets on the fifth morning. The hosts were in dire straits as they faced a huge target of 421 runs. South Africa was struggling at 166/6 at lunch on Tuesday, needing only six more wickets to win the game.

Aiden Markram remained unbeaten on 69 from 200 balls. He played a tenacious knock of containment. Yet, South Africa continued to lose their wickets at regular intervals, and Australia maintained their grip on the first Test match of the series.

Josh Hazlewood, Matt Renshaw strike as South Africa lose two wickets

South Africa were 102/4 at the start of day five, with Markram and Wiaan Mulder in the deep end as they tried to weather the storm of a tricky morning session. The Proteas batsmen were cautious in their approach on a placid surface, wasting no time frustrating Australia's bowlers for the next two hours in the drawn-out session. The Proteas added only 64 runs in 32 overs in the process.

Josh Hazlewood eventually broke the stand by cleaning up Mulder down the leg side. Wicketkeeper Alex Carey took a sharp single-handed low catch to end the resistance of the all-rounder, who was out for 29 off 110 balls, having resumed the morning on five.

Kyle Verreynne was even shorter at the crease. Attempting to cut the part-time spinner Matt Renshaw, the wicketkeeper-batter edged the ball behind to Steve Smith at second slip and was out for one off three balls.
It was Renshaw's second wicket of the innings and the second of his Test career, after a day's work.

Smith's return to the field was another talking point of a fifth morning. The Australian batsman had been struck on the helmet while batting on Monday evening and underwent a concussion test. Having passed it, he was back in the field on Tuesday.

With South Africa on 156/6, Markram found a willing partner in Marco Jansen who was on seven not out at lunch. They shared 35 balls to reach 166/6 before the session was called.
Despite Markram's efforts, South Africa were in peril of defeat as Australia pushed for a commanding victory in the first Test.