Josh Hazlewood produced a career-best spell to lead Australia to a 214-run victory over South Africa in Durban. The right-arm quick finished with 6 for 49 as Australia wrapped up the Test early on Day 5.
South Africa’s resistance lasted through much of the morning session, but Hazlewood kept finding a way through. He struck at both ends of the innings, removing Wiaan Mulder early before returning to claim the final wicket of Anrich Nortje. The defeat was also South Africa captain Temba Bavuma’s first in Test cricket as skipper.
AUS vs SA: Hazlewood breaks South Africa’s resistance
South Africa resumed Day 5 with a slim chance of extending the contest. Aiden Markram and Mulder had shown some fight late on Day 4, giving the home side a little hope after losing four wickets in the final innings.
Hazlewood wasted little time in cutting that short. He had Mulder caught behind for 29 after the batter had faced 109 deliveries. The dismissal ended a stubborn partnership that had lasted 204 balls and opened the door for Australia.
Steve Smith then produced another sharp catch in the slips to dismiss Kyle Verreynne. Matt Renshaw claimed the wicket, his second of the innings, as South Africa slipped further behind.
AUS vs SA: Markram and Jansen delay Australia’s win
At 156/6, South Africa needed a substantial partnership to keep the game alive. Marco Jansen joined Markram and helped the hosts frustrate the Australian attack.
The pair batted through much of the morning session and carried their stand into the second session. Markram continued to hold his ground, while Jansen looked to blunt Australia’s charge.
Their resistance, however, could not last. Hazlewood returned and found the breakthrough Australia needed. A delivery that moved back sharply beat Jansen’s defence and crashed into the stumps.
AUS vs SA: Hazlewood finishes the job
Josh Hazlewood followed up Jansen’s dismissal by removing Simon Harmer in the same over. He got extra bounce and movement from the surface, forcing Harmer to edge the ball through to wicketkeeper Alex Carey.
The double strike left South Africa with little room to recover. Hazlewood then returned to dismiss Nortje, completing a memorable six-wicket haul and ending the match.
His figures of 6 for 49 were the best of his Test career. The performance also brought up his 15th five-wicket haul in the format, underlining his value to Australia’s attack.
AUS vs SA: Australia claim a convincing Test victory
South Africa had shown glimpses of resistance, particularly through Markram, Mulder and Jansen, but could not find enough support lower down the order. Once Hazlewood broke through, the remaining wickets fell quickly.
Australia’s 214-run win was built on sustained pressure and timely breakthroughs. Hazlewood led the final charge, ensuring the visitors finished the job early on the fifth day.
For South Africa, the defeat marked a difficult result under Bavuma. For Australia, Hazlewood’s career-best figures provided the defining moment of the Test in Durban.
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