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  Proteas Put Australia Under Pressure as Nortje Shines on Day One of Durban Test DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA — 9 October 2026 South Africa's fast bowlers delivered a strong performance on the opening day of the first Test against Australia at Kingsmead in Durban, restricting the visitors to 187 for six before bad light brought play to an early close. Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen and Anrich Nortje claimed two wickets each as the Proteas put Australia's batting lineup under sustained pressure. Australia Struggle After Winning the Toss Australian captain Pat Cummins won the toss and elected to bat first, but the visitors struggled to establish a strong opening partnership. Nic Maddinson endured a difficult return to Test cricket, departing without scoring after facing 33 deliveries. Travis Head also fell early, leaving Australia searching for stability. Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne attempted to rebuild the innings with a 60-run partnership. However, Labuschagne was dismissed for 37 ...

South Africa are preparing for a major Test cricket showdown against Australia at Kingsmead in Durban on Friday, with uncertainty still surrounding the fitness of star fast bowler Kagiso Rabada. The opening match will begin a three-Test series and marks Australia's first Test series in South Africa since the controversial 2018 tour that became synonymous with the ball-tampering scandal known as “Sandpapergate”.  Rabada faces late fitness test Rabada's availability could be one of the biggest factors in South Africa's preparations. The 31-year-old fast bowler has been recovering from a hamstring injury sustained during training in August and has not played competitive cricket since the conclusion of his IPL campaign with Gujarat Titans in May. However, there were encouraging signs ahead of the match, with Rabada seen bowling in the nets during South Africa's training session in Durban on Wednesday. The Proteas are expected to wait until close to the start of the Test bef...