Nortje Roars Back as South Africa Rip Through Australia on Day One at Durban

South Africa struck first blood in the heavyweight battle for the World Test Championship on Friday, reducing Australia to 187 for six when bad light brought an early close to day one of the first Test at Kingsmead in Durban.

Anrich Nortje marked his red-ball return after more than three years out with a hostile spell of two for 40, while Wiaan Mulder and Marco Jansen shared the early breakthroughs after Australia chose to bat first. The tourists were wobbling at 124 for six before Matthew Renshaw and captain Pat Cummins staged a rearguard recovery, putting on an unbroken 63-run stand for the seventh wicket. Renshaw, pushed down the order after Nic Maddinson's surprise recall as opener, finished unbeaten on 46 from 115 balls, with Cummins 33 not out.

Nortje, operating in the mid-140s kph, had the Australians ducking and weaving on a slowish surface that is expected to take turn as the match wears on — which explains South Africa's bold call to field two specialist spinners, Keshav Maharaj and Simon Harmer, even without spearhead Kagiso Rabada, who sat out with a hamstring injury. Tony de Zorzi also withdrew before the start.

The contest carries extra weight as the first Australia Test tour of South Africa since 2018, with the reigning champion Proteas hosting the side they beat at Lord's last year — though Australia currently sit atop the standings. Australia, missing Cameron Green and Josh Inglis, must make the second new ball count on Saturday morning.