South Africa produced a stunning turnaround to beat Australia by an innings and 31 runs in the second Test at St George’s Park, levelling the series at 1-1.
Temba Bavuma’s magnificent 179 and Marco Jansen’s five-wicket haul led the way, while Kagiso Rabada and Wiaan Mulder delivered the decisive blows on the final day.
IOL Sport’s Zaahier Adams, who provided live coverage from St George’s Park throughout the Test, rates the individual performances of the Proteas.
1. Temba Bavuma — 10/10
Player of the Match
179 runs · Captain
A monumental, career-best 179 under pressure. With South Africa struggling at 110/6, Bavuma displayed exceptional composure and determination to turn the match around. An innings of immense leadership and quality.
2. Marco Jansen — 10
85 runs · 6 wickets in the match
The ultimate all-round performance. His aggressive 85 rescued the innings before his devastating 5/33 demolished Australia for 99. He returned to claim the final Australian wicket to seal the victory, underlining his match-winning value.
3. Simon Harmer — 8
82 runs · 2 second-innings wickets
His superb 82, including a record eighth-wicket partnership of 183 with Bavuma, breaking the record of 150 between Shaun Pollock and Neil McKenzie, transformed South Africa’s innings. He added control and patience with the ball, removing Marnus Labuschagne and Beau Webster in the second innings, while his catching in the slip cordon was of the highest quality.
4. Kagiso Rabada — 9
6 wickets · 4/77 in second innings
After missing the first Test due to injury, Rabada returned to the attack with authority. It was not only his wickets, but his mere presence in the Proteas team lifted his teammates to the next level. He bowled with searing pace, especially in the first innings, and struck repeatedly in Australia’s second innings when his team needed it most, by removing Nic Maddinson, Matt Renshaw, Steve Smith and Mitchell Starc to help close the door on any escape.
5. Wiaan Mulder — 8.5
13 runs · 5 wickets in the match
Mulder was the unsung hero for the Proteas in this Test match. The all-rounder delivered a golden spell in the second innings to drive his team to victory. When the Proteas were desperate for wickets, it was Mulder that provided the breakthrough, most notably when he clean bowled Travis Head for 121 on the final afternoon.
6. Anrich Nortje — 5
1 wicket · Injury curtailed his contribution
Made an impact by dismissing Marnus Labuschagne in the first innings but suffered a suspected groin injury after just 3.3 overs. His absence placed extra responsibility on the remaining bowlers.
7. Ryan Rickelton — 6
31 runs · Wicketkeeping contributions
Produced a useful 31 when the top order was struggling and contributed behind the stumps. Not a headline performance, but a worthwhile supporting role in his first Test after replacing Kyle Verreynne as the Proteas wicket-keeper.
8. Aiden Markram — 4
11 runs · No wickets
A quiet outing with the bat, falling for 11. He offered little with the ball but contributed in the field, taking the final catch of Australia’s second innings, as South Africa completed their emphatic victory.
9. Matthew Breetzke — 4
4 runs · Important catch
Struggled to make an impression with the bat, but held the catch to dismiss Smith in Australia’s second innings after initially fumbling the opportunity
10. Marques Ackerman — 4
6 runs
A difficult Test debut. He was dismissed for six as Boland continued to trouble South Africa’s top order. The victory will nevertheless provide valuable experience for the newcomer.
11. David Bedingham — 1
0 runs
Lasted just one delivery before falling to Scott Boland. It was an especially disappointing outing for a batter expected to provide middle-order stability, although the team's overall recovery ensured his early dismissal was not decisive.