The ongoing South Africa vs Australia Test in Durban has produced some remarkable moments. From Steve Smith’s latest fielding milestone to a record-breaking bowling attack, the match has given fans plenty to talk about. Matt Renshaw has also delivered a stunning performance, but his long wait for a Test century makes it even more special.

Meanwhile, Nic Maddinson has made a return that few could have predicted after nearly 10 years away from Test cricket. His journey back to the team is even more remarkable because of the cancer battle he faced in 2025. Here are six facts that make this Test truly special.

Here are six interesting facts from the Durban Test.

1. Australia’s ‘Fab Four’ Have Taken 602 Wickets Together

Australia’s four experienced bowlers have created a special record in Test cricket. Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon and Mitchell Starc have taken 602 wickets together in the 38 Tests they have played as a group.

Australia’s bowling quartet of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon and Mitchell Starc has taken 602 wickets in the 38 Test matches they have played together.

This is the highest total by any bowling quartet in Test history. England’s Moeen Ali, James Anderson, Stuart Broad and Ben Stokes rank second with 415 wickets in 31 Tests together.

Each Australian bowler brings a different skill to the team. Starc bowls left-arm pace, Hazlewood focuses on accuracy, Cummins combines pace with control, and Lyon leads the spin attack.

2. Steve Smith Moves Ahead of Joe Root in Test Catches during South Africa vs Australia 1st Test

Steve Smith has reached another important milestone in his Test career during the South Africa vs Australia Durban Test. The Australian batter has taken 223 catches in Test cricket, moving ahead of England’s Joe Root, who has 220 catches in the figures available for this record.

India’s Rahul Dravid ranks third with 210 catches. Sri Lanka’s Mahela Jayawardene follows with 205.

Here is the list of the leading players:

Smith has built this record as a specialist batter, not a wicketkeeper. His achievement shows how important fielding can be in Test cricket.

A good catch can change the game by sending a dangerous batter back to the dressing room. Smith’s fielding has also helped Australia in Durban.

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3. All 11 Australian Players Were Aged 30 or Older

Australia picked a very experienced team for the Durban Test. All 11 players in the starting XI were at least 30 years old when the match began.

According to reports, this was the oldest Australian Test XI on record.

Note: These ages are based on October 9, 2026, and show each player’s completed years.

Smith, Lyon and Starc are among the most experienced players in the team. Renshaw is also an experienced international player, even though he is younger than most of his teammates.

Australia have trusted their senior players for this important overseas Test. Their experience can help them handle pressure and difficult situations.

However, the team’s age also raises a question about Australia’s future. The selectors will need to prepare younger players to replace these senior stars when they leave Test cricket.

4. Australia Have Four Bowlers With More Than 300 Test Wickets Each

Australia have another special achievement in their bowling attack. Cummins, Hazlewood, Lyon and Starc have all taken more than 300 wickets in Test cricket.

Their wicket totals after the first innings in Durban were:

Lyon leads the group with 573 wickets. Starc follows with 435, while Cummins and Hazlewood have also crossed the 300-wicket mark.

Having four bowlers with more than 300 Test wickets in the same team is a rare achievement. It also gives Australia several options when they need to take wickets.

Lyon can trouble batters with spin, while Starc can use his pace and left-arm angle. Cummins and Hazlewood bring their own strengths with fast bowling.

This experience allows Australia to keep attacking even when one bowler has a difficult spell. It also shows how much work all four players have done to build long Test careers. All four are playing in the 1st South Africa vs Australia test.

5. Matt Renshaw Scored 190 After Waiting 3,567 Days for His Second Test Century

Matt Renshaw played a major role in Australia’s first innings by scoring 190 runs against South Africa.

The century was special because it was only his second in Test cricket. He scored his first Test century against Pakistan in January 2017. He remained unbeaten on 167 at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

Renshaw waited 3,567 days between his first and second Test centuries. That is about nine years and nine months.

His long wait makes the innings even more memorable. Renshaw lost his place in the Australian Test team and had to work hard to earn another chance at the international level.

His 190 runs also helped Australia recover after losing early wickets. He stayed at the crease and helped the team reach 390 in the first innings.

Renshaw did much more than score a century. He turned a difficult situation into a strong position for Australia and gave the bowlers a useful total to defend.

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6. Nic Maddinson Returned to Test Cricket After Nearly 10 Years and a Cancer Battle

Another interesting fact in the South Africa vs Australia Durban Test is Nic Maddinson’s return to Australia’s Test team is another important story from Durban.

The 34-year-old last played Test cricket for Australia in 2016. He returned to the team almost 10 years later after going through a difficult period in his life.

Maddinson received a testicular cancer diagnosis in 2025. The cancer had spread to his lungs and lymph nodes. He underwent surgery and completed nine weeks of chemotherapy.

After his treatment, Maddinson returned to cricket and worked towards playing at the highest level again.

Australia selected him for the Durban Test after injuries affected the squad. Josh Inglis was among the players who missed out because of injury.

Maddinson could not score a run in Australia’s first innings, but his return still marked an important moment in his career. The lefty scored a quick-fire 48 in the 2nd innings. He had come back to Test cricket after years away from the team and a serious illness.

His journey shows how quickly things can change in professional sport. A player may spend years outside the national team before getting another chance. Maddinson’s return is a reminder of the hard work and patience that such a comeback can require.

Australia Look to Build on Their Lead

The Durban Test has given fans several memorable moments. Australia’s four leading bowlers have reached a major milestone, Smith has moved ahead of Root in Test catches, and Renshaw has scored his second Test century after a long wait.

Maddinson’s return has also added a personal story to the match.

At the time of writing, Australia are 77 for 2 in their second innings and lead by 183 runs, according to the live match situation provided for this article. You can check the full scoreboard of this match HERE.

The match is still in progress, and Australia will look to increase their lead. Can they turn their strong first-innings performance into a win against South Africa?

What do you think? Let us know in the comments.

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