Australia close first Test day against South Africa at 187-6

Pat Cummins and Matt Renshaw helped the visitors recover after losing six wickets, but bad light brought an early end to play in Durban.

Australia captain Pat Cummins and Matt Renshaw prevented a further collapse late in the day. They added an unbeaten 63 for the seventh wicket, with Renshaw on 46 and Cummins on 33 when play stopped. Windy, gloomy conditions and poor light brought the session to a close about an hour before the scheduled finish.

South Africa had taken control after Anrich Nortje returned to first-class cricket following an absence of almost four years. He claimed two wickets in three balls before tea, dismissing Alex Carey and Beau Webster. Nortje ended the day with figures of 2-40 from 13.2 overs. Australia had fallen to 124-6 before Cummins and Renshaw began the recovery.

Nic Maddinson’s first Test appearance since treatment for cancer ended without a run. He faced 33 balls before Marco Jansen bowled him. Steve Smith made 25 and Marnus Labuschagne scored 37. Their third-wicket partnership added 60, but both were dismissed after the interval.

The International Cricket Council also reported Australia’s score at stumps as 187-6. The second day in Durban is scheduled to continue if weather and light allow play to resume.