On Monday, the Baggy Greens took a 1-0 lead in the three-Test series after beating the Proteas by 214 runs in the first Test at Kingsmead in Durban.

The Australians dominated proceedings from day one against the world champions, who were playing their first Test of 2026.

In their first innings, Australia, scored 390 with Matt Renshaw scoring 190-runs.

The Proteas. Photo: Cricinfo

In reply, the Proteas were bowled out for 284, with David Bedingham scoring 49, while pat Cummins took 3/54.

The Australians then declared their second innings on 314/6 to set South Africa a target of 421 for the win. Once again it was Renshaw that delivered with the bat with 82 runs.

Matt Renshaw. Photo: Cricinfo

Facing a daunting task, the hosts were bundled out for the 206, with Aiden Markram scoring 75, while Josh Hazlewood took 6/49.

Following the defeat Bavuma didn’t mince his words by praising the Australians for the manner in which they went about their business.

“You have to praise the Australians for the way they hung in there when we had them at 120 for six,” said Bavuma.

“On any other day, as a bowling attack, you back yourselves to restrict them to less than 250. For them to get the score they did took a little bit out of us mentally. But the conditions were good for batting, and we also failed to make the most of them.

“Their lower order spent time at the crease and showed what was possible once the ball got softer.”

Bavuma added that heading into the second Test they should be a lot better prepared.

“You can never really prepare for Test cricket without playing Test cricket, but I can never use that as an excuse,” Bavuma added.

Aiden Markram. Photo: Crinfo

“We knew what was in front of us and had the opportunity to prepare as much as we could. A lot of the mistakes we made out there were mental, and that’s where we really let ourselves down.

“Hopefully, whatever cobwebs were there will be dusted off, and we’ll have another opportunity in a couple of days.

“We always speak about playing what’s in front of us and assessing the conditions. That approach has brought us some level of success, and I don’t think the guys were playing recklessly or throwing caution to the wind.

Josh Hazlewood. Photo: Cricinfo

“There were some soft dismissals, and I could probably put myself in that category. Against a top outfit, those things get exposed. 

“I think it’s a certain level of pressure that some of the guys weren’t accustomed to, but the first game is out of the way, and we should be better prepared for Gqeberha.”

The 2nd Test at St George’s Park in Gqeberha is scheduled to start on Sunday.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cvs