Home / Sports / Durban Riots Shadow Australia's Test Cricket Return
Durban Riots Shadow Australia's Test Cricket Return
11 Oct
Summary
- Violent anti-migrant protests occurred in Durban and Johannesburg.
- Fourteen vehicles were torched in Durban during the unrest.
- Nic Maddinson played his first Test in a decade after cancer recovery.
As Matt Renshaw and Pat Cummins led Australia's fightback on day one in Durban, buildings a few kilometers away were experiencing a second day of unrest. This stark reality played out in the background of Australia's first Test in South Africa in eight-and-a-half years, as the nation faced its own battles with violent anti-migrant protests.
Fourteen vehicles were torched in Durban, with riot police deployed as foreign-owned shops were looted just kilometers from Kingsmead Stadium. Nic Maddinson was informed over a week ago that he would play in the first Test, marking his first Test appearance in a decade after recovering from testicular cancer. He had not played a first-class game since his recovery.
Despite support from teammates and coaches, Maddinson and Matt Renshaw only learned they would switch batting positions on match eve. The reality of events in Durban on Friday suggested neither Maddinson nor Australia were adequately equipped to post a substantial Test total. Play was set to resume on day two, with efforts to make up for lost time due to late afternoon light reduction.
