AUSTRALIA TOUR OF SA
John Goliath|Published
In a Test match that ebbed and flowed through rain delays, relentless bowling spells, and magnificent individual milestones, the Proteas delivered a statement performance against Australia at St George’s Park.
Trailing in the two-match series after a tough opening Test, Temba Bavuma’s side displayed immense character and resilience to bounce back with an emphatic victory by an innings and 31 runs.
From a marathon captain's knock that rescued the first innings to a devastating display with the ball and late drama on a rain-affected final day, the Proteas completely turned the contest on its head.
Here is a breakdown of how South Africa dismantled Australia in Gqeberha to set up a tantalising series decider in Cape Town.
Bavuma and all-Rounders build mammoth lead
The foundation of South Africa’s victory was laid on Days 3 and 4 through captain Bavuma’s magnificent first-innings 179, his highest Test score.
Resuming with the Proteas precariously placed at 97/5, Bavuma batted for over six hours, anchoring crucial century stands alongside Marco Jansen (85) and Simon Harmer (82).
That marathon effort lifted South Africa to 425/9 declared, establishing a massive 326-run first-innings cushion that put Australia under immense pressure.
Jansen’s five-for skittles Aussies for 99
Jansen followed up his batting heroics by spearheading a ruthless bowling performance on the fourth morning, completely dismantling Australia’s first-innings response.
The towering left-armer generated steep bounce and relentless pace to claim 5/33, reducing the visitors to a paltry 99 all out in just 42.3 overs.
Armed with a 326-run lead, Bavuma had no hesitation in enforcing the follow-on to keep Australia on the rack.
Head's century and Boland's resistance
Tasked with batting again, Australia mounted a brave fightback led by Travis Head's counter-attacking 121 and an astonishing marathon effort from nightwatchman Scott Boland.
Resuming on Day 5 after a rain-delayed start, Head brought up a superb century while Boland defied the Proteas attack for 158 deliveries to score 40.
Together, they threatened to bat out the day and salvage a draw, frustrating the home bowling unit for nearly two full sessions.
Mulder and Rabada strike heavy blows
The decisive turning point arrived late on Day 5 when Wiaan Mulder produced an inspired spell of bowling, castling Head, Boland to break the stubborn fifth-wicket partnership.
Armed with the second new ball, Kagiso Rabada immediately capitalised by removing Steve Smith for just 3, caught on the hook by Matthew Breetzke.
Rabada then bowled Mitchell Starc to rip through the Australian tail, leaving Alex Carey stranded and opening the floodgates for South Africa to race towards a spectacular victory.
Series levelled as Jansen seals innings win
South Africa sealed a famous victory to level the two-match series 1–1.
Fittingly capping off a match-winning all-round performance, Marco Jansen took the final wicket of Josh Hazlewood to trigger joyous home celebrations.
The Proteas overcame weather delays and stubborn opposition resistance to complete an incredible comeback, setting up a thrilling series decider in Cape Town next week.