Renshaw leads Australian resistance with unbeaten hundred at Kingsmead

Matt Renshaw anchored the Australian innings with a gutsy, unbeaten century as the tourists reached 277-8 at lunch on the second day of the first Test against South Africa at Kingsmead.

The visiting side had found themselves in a precarious position at 124-6 on the opening day before Renshaw spearheaded a determined fightback that stretched into Friday's bad light and continued brightly into the second morning.

The 30-year-old brought up his milestone off 204 deliveries, striking his 10th boundary to reach 102 not out at the interval, accompanied at the crease by Nathan Lyon on seven.

Expected to open the batting but surprisingly deployed at No. 5, Renshaw resumed his innings on 46 overnight and swiftly brought up his half-century with a boundary off the very second delivery of the day.

During the morning session, Renshaw shared a crucial 86-run partnership with captain Pat Cummins before the skipper edged Wiaan Mulder to be caught at second slip by Aiden Markram for 43.

Mulder subsequently bowled Mitchell Starc for six, though Australia had already managed to add a healthy 43 runs to their overnight total of 187-6 as the Kingsmead pitch eased and lost the sharp bounce and movement seen on the first day.

Wiaan Mulder emerged as the standout performer for the home attack, claiming 4-51 from his 22 overs and remaining on course for a potential maiden Test five-wicket haul when play resumes after lunch.