South Africa v Australia First Test Review: The Renshaw game, Australia's discipline & what next?

In this episode of the show, Baldy and Stu review the first test between South Africa and Australia.

We start the show with positivity from an Australian point of view after their commanding victory in the first Test. From a tricky position, the visitors turned the game on its head and, led by a near double hundred from Matt Renshaw, they took control of the match and never let go of that advantage.

As the conversation continues, we highlight discipline as a key difference between the two sides, with both bat and ball. Australia's incredible bowling unit of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazelwood and Nathan Lyon found the perfect line and length to bowl on the Durban surface, then executed their skills much better than their South African counterparts.

For Australia, Renshaw's success, and to a much lesser extent Nic Maddinson's 48 in the second innings, look to have revitalised the strength of the batting lineup, but it also creates more questions. Should Renshaw stay at 5 now? Is Travis Head being wasted at the top? How could Cameron Green slot back in to this side?

On the South Africa side, there were positives to take from the match - Aiden Markram's fight, Anrich Nortje's test return, two solid innings from David Bedingham - but how much will they rue not having another seam bowler in their lineup? And with Kagiso Rabada set to return for the second Test, will they take the opportunity to make more changes?

We'll be back again soon with more news and view from this series and any other cricket news that catches our eyes. Until then please take the time to give us a like, follow, share or subscribe on all our channels (@toporderpod on Twitter & Facebook, and @thetoporderpodcast on Instagram & YouTube) and a (5-Star!) review at your favourite podcast provider, or tell a friend to download. It really helps others find the show and is the best thing you can do to support us. You can also find all our written content, including our Hall of Fame series, at our website.

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