Marco Jansen took 5 for 33 as Australia were bowled out for 99, 326 behind South Africa’s 425 for 9 declared, and were made to follow on in Gqeberha. Travis Head’s unbeaten 87 left Australia on 156 for 4 at stumps, still 170 runs adrift.
Gqeberha, South Africa: The second Test turned from a contest into a rescue mission on Wednesday. Australia resumed day four on 3 for 1, 422 runs behind, and by the close they were batting for the second time with Head the one man standing between them and a heavy defeat.
Jansen takes the innings apart
Australia’s first innings lasted 42.4 overs. Jansen, who had hit 85 with the bat a day earlier, finished with 5 for 33. Wiaan Mulder bowled Steve Smith for 28 off 88 balls, and Scott Boland fell to Jansen, with Ryan Rickelton taking the catch. Anrich Nortje took a wicket but left the field with a suspected groin injury, a worry for South Africa as the Test enters its final stretch.
The total of 99 left South Africa 326 ahead, and they chose to enforce the follow-on rather than bat again.
Rabada and Harmer cut in
Australia’s second innings began much like the first. Kagiso Rabada removed Nic Maddinson for 8, and South Africa had the early wicket they wanted. Marnus Labuschagne then joined Head, and the pair added 92 for the second wicket.
Simon Harmer ended that stand, and Rabada then bowled Matt Renshaw for 11 to leave Australia on 123 for 3. Harmer trapped Beau Webster lbw just before stumps, and Australia finished the day four down, with nightwatchman Boland unbeaten on 2.
Head holds on
Head carried the innings. He was unbeaten on 87 off 138 balls with nine fours, the only substantial resistance Australia offered on the day. His effort kept the match alive, though the arithmetic remains stern: Australia still need 170 runs just to make South Africa bat again.
What lies ahead
Australia lead the three-match series 1-0 after their 214-run win in Durban, but South Africa hold this Test after Temba Bavuma’s day-three 179 and a ruthless day with the ball. They need six more wickets for an innings victory on day five, and Nortje’s fitness is the question to watch.
At stumps, day four: Australia 99 all out in the first innings (Marco Jansen 5/33) and 156 for 4 following on (Travis Head 87 not out). South Africa 425 for 9 declared (Temba Bavuma 179, Marco Jansen 85). Australia trail by 170 runs.
Match: Second Test, Gqeberha, Wednesday 21 October 2026. Australia lead the three-match series 1-0.
