Proteas humbled at Kingsmead as Australia end Bavuma’s unbeaten run

Australia have inflicted a crushing 214-run defeat on South Africa in the opening Test at Kingsmead, ending the Proteas' unbeaten record under captain Temba Bavuma and taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

The tourists completed their victory on Tuesday after dismissing South Africa for 206 in their second innings, with fast bowler Josh Hazlewood returning career-best figures of 6-49.

The result marks Bavuma's first Test defeat as captain, following a remarkable sequence of 11 victories and one draw that included South Africa's triumph over Australia in the 2025 World Test Championship final at Lord's.

Australia's victory was built around an outstanding all-round performance from Matt Renshaw, who scored 190 in the first innings and 82 in the second before taking two wickets with his occasional off-spin.

Renshaw was named player of the match.

South Africa resumed the final day needing an improbable 319 runs to reach their target of 421, with six wickets remaining.

Although opener Aiden Markram had offered resistance on the fourth day, the Proteas were unable to withstand Australia's sustained bowling pressure.

The final four wickets fell for just five runs, allowing Australia to complete a comprehensive victory.

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported that Hazlewood's six-wicket haul was instrumental in dismantling the home side's batting line-up.

South Africa had earlier been dismissed for 284 in their first innings after Australia recovered from 124-6 to post 390, largely through Renshaw's commanding century.

The tourists subsequently declared their second innings on 314-6, setting South Africa a world-record target.

Bavuma acknowledged that South Africa's batting had fallen short and questioned aspects of the team's approach.

TimesLIVE reported that the captain also conceded he might have made a tactical mistake by selecting two frontline spinners for the Kingsmead surface.

He expressed disappointment with the team's first-innings performance and questioned whether the batters had demonstrated sufficient resilience against Australia's attack. The defeat represents a significant setback for South Africa at the start of a demanding home summer.

The Proteas must now regroup ahead of the remaining two Tests against Australia, with further series against Bangladesh and England scheduled later in the season.

For Australia, the victory provides an emphatic response to their defeat in the World Test Championship final and strengthens their position in the current championship cycle.

Sources: Associated Press, ABC News Australia, TimesLIVE & Outlook India.