Middlesbrough-born Renshaw's epic 190 lifts Australia

After nine years and 280 days, Matt Renshaw scores epic century to put Australia on top against South Africa and push his own case for a regular place. Renshaw's century was his first in Tests for nine years and 280 days Matt Renshaw scored an epic first Test century in more than nine years to put Australia in control of the first Test in their highly anticipated series against South Africa. After much talk about the issues among their ageing top order on day one, Renshaw ground out a majestic career-best 190 from 397 balls in Durban, emphatically pushing his case to be part of Australia's future. The 30-year-old was born in Middlesbrough and a childhood friend of England captain Joe Root – their fathers played together in English club cricket – before his parents left the UK for New Zealand and then Australia when he was seven.

As well as potentially match-defining innings, having dragged Australia from 124-6 to 390 all out, it was a statement knock from Renshaw who has had an in-out international career. "I like him as a player," former Australia batter Simon Katich said on SEN Radio. "When he first came in, I liked him as a player, even though others thought he was too defensive. "I think that is what this team has needed