Rusty or something more? South Africa's concern after Australia loss

What the report says

Australia beat South Africa by 214 runs in the first Test in Durban, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series and ending the Proteas’ 12-match unbeaten run in Tests. The match finished on the fifth day after South Africa, chasing a difficult target, were bowled out for 206. Australia had earlier made 390 and 314-6 declared, while South Africa’s first-innings total was 284.

The result has prompted questions in South Africa about whether the loss was mainly down to inactivity before the match or whether it exposed deeper issues. Coach Shukri Conrad said he wanted to see more fight from his side and described the performance as concerning, particularly the batting in the first innings on what was a good pitch. Several players got starts without converting them into major scores, while Australia’s pace attack, led by Josh Hazlewood’s career-best 6-49, kept control through the game.

Aiden Markram’s patient 75 in the final innings was one of the few clear positives for South Africa, alongside an encouraging return for fast bowler Anrich Nortje, who took four wickets in his first Test since March 2023. Even so, South Africa’s bowlers and spinners also came under scrutiny. With the second Test in Gqeberha coming only five days later, the team will be looking to shake off any rust quickly before a busy period that includes England’s visit later in the year.