By Shishir Prashant 
PrashantNews
Josh Hazlewood produced a devastating spell of fast bowling to lead Australia to a 214-run victory over South Africa in the first Test at Kingsmead on Tuesday, giving the visitors a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Australia also created unique record in Durban by fielding the oldest playing XI with an average age of 34 in its Test cricket history, underlining the experience in its ranks.
Hazlewood claimed six wickets for 49 runs in South Africa’s second innings as the hosts were bowled out for 206 while chasing a formidable target of 421. His career-best Test figures helped Australia wrap up the match on the fifth day after South Africa had offered stubborn resistance during the morning session.
Resuming at 102 for four, South Africa initially fought to save the match through Aiden Markram and Wiaan Mulder. The pair added 69 runs for the fifth wicket, raising hopes of extending the contest.
Hazlewood broke the partnership by having Mulder caught behind for 29. Matt Renshaw then dismissed wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne, who edged a delivery to Steve Smith at slip.
Markram continued to resist, scoring 75 in an innings that lasted almost six hours. However, Mitchell Starc ended his fight by dismissing him caught behind, leaving South Africa’s lower order exposed.
Hazlewood struck again with the second new ball, bowling Marco Jansen for 35 before removing Simon Harmer in the same over. He subsequently dismissed Anrich Nortje to seal Australia’s emphatic victory. South Africa lost its final four wickets for just five runs in 16 deliveries.
Australia’s triumph was built on a magnificent batting performance by Renshaw, who scored 190 in the first innings and followed it with 82 in the second. He was named Player of the Match.
Australia had recovered from 124 for six in their first innings to post 390, establishing control over the contest.
The victory gives Australia an early advantage in the series following South Africa’s triumph over them in last year’s World Test Championship final at Lord’s.
The second Test will be played in Gqeberha, starting October 18.