Hazlewood six-for drives Australia to 214-run win over South Africa

Josh Hazlewood claimed six wickets for 49 runs as Australia defeated South Africa by 214 runs in the first Test at Kingsmead Stadium in Durban.

Australia secured a 214-run victory over South Africa in the first Test at Kingsmead Stadium in Durban, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

South Africa were dismissed for 206 on the fifth day, with Josh Hazlewood finishing with six wickets for 49 runs. The fast bowler claimed the final wicket when Anrich Nortje was caught by Nathan Lyon at short midwicket.

Hazlewood breaks South African resistance

South Africa resisted for 110 minutes at the start of the day’s play before Australia made the breakthrough. Wiaan Mulder and Aiden Markram had extended their fifth-wicket partnership to 69 runs from 205 balls, but Hazlewood removed Mulder for 29.

South Africa reached lunch at 166-6, with Australia still needing six wickets to complete the win. Kyle Verreynne was caught at slip by Steve Smith without scoring, while part-time spinner Matt Renshaw claimed his second Test wicket.

Marco Jansen was then bowled by Hazlewood for 35. Simon Harmer was caught by wicketkeeper Alex Carey after the ball brushed his glove, adding to the pressure on the home side.

Markram provided the longest resistance, making 75 from 237 balls. His innings ended after a television review, which confirmed his dismissal and brought Australia closer to victory.

Hazlewood completed his six-wicket haul by taking Nortje’s wicket, sealing Australia’s first Test win in the series.

Smith returns after head blow

Steve Smith returned to the field after missing Australia’s late session on Monday because he had been struck on the head while batting.

A statement said Smith had undergone clinical assessments under Cricket Australia’s concussion protocols and had been cleared to take the field. He subsequently contributed to the result by taking the catch that dismissed Verreynne.

Matt Renshaw was named Australia’s man of the match for his batting performance. The match was the first meeting between the teams since South Africa defeated Australia in the previous year’s World Test Championship final at Lord’s in London.