174 Runs With the Tail: Renshaw Scripts Test Cricket History in Durban

Australia batter Matt Renshaw scored a career-best 190 against South Africa in the first Test at Kingsmead, Durban, setting a record for the most runs scored while batting with tail-enders in a Test innings.

Renshaw faced 397 deliveries as Australia were dismissed for 390 in their first innings on Saturday. He scored 174 runs while batting alongside players at positions eight to 11, surpassing the previous record of 171 set by India’s Virat Kohli during his 235 against England at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium in 2016.

Australia had slipped to 124 for six before Renshaw and captain Pat Cummins added 86 runs for the seventh wicket. Cummins made 43 from 98 balls. After Cummins and Mitchell Starc were dismissed, Renshaw joined Nathan Lyon to add 134 runs for the ninth wicket, extending Australia’s innings and setting a new ninth-wicket partnership record between the two teams.

Lyon contributed 27 from 92 deliveries, while Renshaw continued until he was caught by Aiden Markram off Simon Harmer for 190. His innings included 21 fours and one six. It was his second Test century and his highest score in the format, improving on his previous best of 184 against Pakistan in 2017.

The record-breaking contribution came after Australia’s top order lost wickets during the opening day. Renshaw, batting at number five, remained at the crease for more than six hours and helped the visitors post a total that had appeared unlikely when they were six wickets down.

South Africa reached 249 for nine on Sunday, trailing Australia by 141 runs as the hosts tried to avoid conceding a first-innings lead. Ryan Rickelton had fallen for a duck to Josh Hazlewood early in the reply.

Renshaw’s 190 also became the highest Test score by an Australian at Kingsmead, according to match reports. The match is part of the 2025–27 World Test Championship cycle.