South Africa produced a stunning comeback to defeat Australia by an innings and 31 runs in the second Test at St George’s Park in Gqeberha, levelling the three-match series 1-1.
The Proteas declared their first innings on 425 for nine after a remarkable recovery. Captain Temba Bavuma led the way with a career-best 179, batting for more than nine hours. Marco Jansen contributed a rapid 85 and Simon Harmer made 82, the pair sharing crucial lower-order partnerships after South Africa had slipped to 110 for six. Scott Boland was Australia’s best bowler with five for 81.
Australia then collapsed to 99 all out in their first innings. Jansen claimed five for 33 as the visitors were skittled, giving South Africa a massive 326-run lead. The hosts enforced the follow-on despite Anrich Nortje suffering a groin injury.
In their second innings, Australia showed more fight. Travis Head scored a determined 121, while nightwatchman Scott Boland resisted for 40 off 166 balls. Rain wiped out the morning session on the final day, reducing the available overs, but South Africa’s bowlers remained relentless.
Wiaan Mulder removed Head, Boland and captain Pat Cummins. Kagiso Rabada finished with four for 77, and Jansen took the final wicket when Josh Hazlewood edged to slip. Australia were dismissed for 295.
Bavuma was named player of the match for his defining innings. The win marked one of South Africa’s finest Test victories in recent years, achieved after rain had heavily disrupted the first two days and the side had been in deep trouble early in their first innings.
Australia captain Pat Cummins admitted his team were “a long way from our best.” The series now heads to a decider at Newlands in Cape Town, starting on Tuesday.
