‘Slice of luck’: Miraculous catch stops Renshaw’s ton before Smith concussion worry
Matt Renshaw’s search for back-to-back hundreds in the first Test against South Africa ended in a stroke of luck for Keshav Maharaj after the spinner’s miraculous juggling catch on day four in Durban.
In Australia’s second innings, Renshaw had moved to 82 and looked certain to score his third Test century after 190 in the first innings.
Keshav Maharaj’s miraculous catch. SuperSport
The Queenslander had hit Maharaj for six with the fourth delivery of his over before going hard again with the next ball.
Renshaw played his shot straight back to the bowler who juggled it multiple times before claiming the catch while on the ground.
The first innings centurion wasn’t walking from the field until the TV umpire’s review was completed.
Replays showed Maharaj had just kept his finger under the ball and Renshaw was sent on his way.
“A superb case of composure because your heart does beat a lot when you have to go at it again ... a slice of luck,” caller Pommie Mbangwa said on SuperSport.
Renshaw’s dismissal brought Pat Cummins to the crease who hit 32 runs off 12 balls to push Australia to 6-314 before declaring with a lead of 420.
Beau Webster finished 39 not out. Earlier, Marnus Labuschagne failed to make the most of another start with 37, while Nic Maddinson scored 48 at the top of the order.
When Australia went out to field, Steve Smith was not on the field following concussion tests after he was hit on the helmet during his innings of 27.
No update was given on Smith’s availability for the rest of the Test, but he was spotted in training gear in the pavilion. He is expected to sit out day five as he undergoes further testing.
Australia struck early during the Proteas’ innings, with Ryan Rickelton regrettably attempting a pull shot from Josh Hazlewood which he edged behind to Alex Carey.
Rickelton’s 2 came after a duck in the first innings when Hazlewood dismissed him then too.
South Africa finished the day in deep trouble at 4-102 with David Bedingham (45), Temba Bavuma (1) and Tristan Stubbs (1) all gone.
Bavuma was dismissed by the man of the Test, Renshaw, who had the captain caught at short leg by Nic Maddinson.
