Josh Hazlewood produced a career-best performance with figures of six for 49 to lead Australia to a comprehensive 214-run victory over South Africa on the final day of the first Test in Durban. The win gave Australia a 1-0 lead in the three-match series and marked South Africa’s first defeat under captain Temba Bavuma.

Entering the day, Australia required six wickets to secure the win but faced determined resistance from South African batsman Aiden Markram, who scored 75 runs off 237 balls. Alongside Wiaan Mulder, who defended resolutely for 110 balls, Markram helped extend a crucial partnership of 69 runs that kept hopes of a draw alive. However, Hazlewood ultimately broke the stand with a perfectly executed nip-backer that trapped Mulder lbw, sparking a collapse in the South African innings.

Matt Renshaw soon followed by dismissing Kyle Verreynne for one, with Steve Smith taking the catch at slip after returning from concussion tests. The arrival of a new ball further aided Australia’s seam attack. Hazlewood quickly removed Marco Jansen and Simon Harmer in the same over. Markram’s innings ended when he edged a delivery from Mitchell Starc behind the stumps, and Hazlewood completed the innings by catching the last man, Anrich Nortje, off a shot to midwicket.

Hazlewood’s six-wicket haul underlined his ongoing value to the Australian side and answered questions over why he retains his place ahead of other promising fast bowlers such as Scott Boland. While Boland’s recent performances have drawn attention, Hazlewood’s experience and ability to deliver crucial breakthroughs in pressure situations remain vital. His tally now places him among Australia’s leading wicket-takers, surpassing several notable predecessors as he progresses up the international rankings.

Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins, Australia’s other prominent pacemen, had less impact in the second innings. Starc struggled with consistency, while Cummins bowled economically but failed to take a wicket, his only dismissal coming via a loose shot from South Africa’s Tristan Stubbs. Spinner Nathan Lyon was unable to claim a wicket but bowled with control, keeping runs in check.

The defeat was a significant setback for South Africa, who have endured a lengthy domestic hiatus with nearly a year without Test cricket and 15 months since their last home Test. Bavuma acknowledged Australia’s dominance throughout the match and stressed the need for improvement ahead of the second Test, set to begin in Gqeberha. He emphasized the importance of his batsmen producing impactful performances early in the innings.

For Australia, the victory reinforced confidence in their seam attack despite concerns about the aging core of bowlers, with Hazlewood, Cummins, Starc, and Boland all over 30. Fitness will remain a key factor moving forward in the series. As Australia travels to Gqeberha for the next Test starting Sunday, the side aims to maintain momentum and extend their series lead against the world Test champions.