Australia cruised past South Africa by 140 runs in the opening Test in Durban, as Matthew Renshaw smashed 272 runs across both innings.
Renshaw’s 190 in the first innings lifted the hosts from 124/6, and his 82 in the second sealed the win. Hazlewood’s six wickets were a career best.
The turning point came when Renshaw turned a precarious chase into a dominant display, turning the tide in Australia’s favour.
Captain Pat Cummins praised Renshaw’s form but said the team will still evaluate conditions for the second Test in Gqeberha, hinting at a potential opening shuffle with Travis Head or Nic Maddinson.
With Labuschagne at No. 3 and Smith at No. 4 locked in, Cummins sees flexibility at the top, noting a different opener could suit the changing pitch.
Australia now heads to Gqeberha for the second Test, where the batting lineup will be finalised based on the conditions.