South Africa are the world Test champions, but Durban did not feel like it. Australia won the first Test by 214 runs, and the man who did most of the damage had never taken a Test wicket.
Matt Renshaw scored 190 and 82, then took two wickets with his part-time spin. Josh Hazlewood finished the job with 6/49 as South Africa, chasing a record 421, were bowled out for 206.
It was Temba Bavuma's first defeat as Test captain, after 11 wins and a draw.
Now, South Africa have to fix things fast. Tristan Stubbs, who made 32 and 1, has been dropped. Matthew Breetzke comes in after an ODI century in Durban. Ryan Rickelton will keep wicket, so the team must decide whether he still opens with Aiden Markram, because Tony de Zorzi is injured.
Rain is forecast for Sunday's first day in Gqeberha.
South Africa vs. Australia 2nd Test prediction: Who will win?
Durban was their first defeat under Bavuma, and a side that had won 11 of 12 before it rarely stumbles twice.
Kagiso Rabada is expected back, with seven quicks to choose from, and Breetzke is in ODI form after a century. Australia's win leaned heavily on Renshaw's 190 and 82, which is hard to repeat. If the rain allows a full game, the home side should level the series.
TSN Prediction: South Africa to win
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South Africa vs. Australia pitch report 2nd Test: St George's Park, Gqeberha
Stat | Detail |
Total matches | 33 |
Matches won batting first | 15 |
Matches won bowling first | 13 |
Average 1st innings score | 313 |
Average 2nd innings score | 238 |
Average 3rd innings score | 217 |
Average 4th innings score | 159 |
Highest total recorded | 549/7 (117 overs) by AUS vs. RSA |
Lowest total recorded | 30/10 (18.4 overs) by RSA vs. ENG |
Highest score chased | 271/8 (93.3 overs) by AUS vs. RSA |
Lowest score defended | 130/10 (58.3 overs) by ENG vs. RSA |
Head-to-head in Tests: South Africa vs. Australia
Record | Australia | South Africa |
Matches | 102 | 102 |
Won | 55 | 26 |
Lost | 26 | 55 |
Drawn | 21 | 21 |
Tied | 0 | 0 |
Home wins | 23 | 16 |
Away wins | 30 | 10 |
Neutral wins | 2 | 0 |
Recent Tests
Match | Date | Australia | South Africa | Result |
1st Test | Oct. 9, 2026 | 390/10, 314/6 | 284/10, 206/10 | Australia won by 214 runs |
Final | Jun. 11, 2025 | 212, 207 | 138, 282/5 | South Africa won by 5 wickets |
3rd Test | Jan. 4, 2023 | 475/4 dec | 255, 106/2 (f/o) | Match drawn |
2nd Test | Dec. 26, 2022 | 575/8 dec | 189, 204 | Australia won by an innings and 182 runs |
1st Test | Dec. 17, 2022 | 218, 35/4 | 152, 99 | Australia won by 6 wickets |
4th Test | Mar. 30, 2018 | 221, 119 | 488, 344/6 dec | South Africa won by 492 runs |
3rd Test | Mar. 22, 2018 | 255, 107 | 311, 373 | South Africa won by 322 runs |
South Africa vs. Australia betting tips for 2nd Test
Here is our favourite betting angle for South Africa vs. Australia:
BETTING TIP | ODDS |
Temba Bavuma to score over 26.5 in the first innings | 1.87 via Dafabet |
Bavuma has been one of the consistent players for South Africa and can trouble the scorers HERE.
South Africa vs. Australia lineups, team news for 2nd Test
Here's how we think both sides will line up in this game:
South Africa predicted lineup against Australia
Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton (wk), Marques Ackerman, Temba Bavuma (capt.), Matthew Breetzke, David Bedingham, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Simon Harmer, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje
Australia predicted lineup against South Africa
Matthew Renshaw, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (wk), Cooper Connolly, Pat Cummins (capt.), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood
South Africa vs. Australia Odds: Who is the favourite for the 2nd Test?
Result | South Africa | Draw | Australia |
2.36 | 5.00 | 2.24 |
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How to watch South Africa vs. Australia 2nd Test match: Live stream, TV channel
Here is all the key information for how to watch South Africa vs Australia 2nd Test:
- Date: October 18 to 22
- Venue: St George's Park, Gqeberha
- Time: 1:30 PM (IST)
- TV/Stream: FanCode