South Africa Levels Series With Crushing Win Over Australia

Josh Hazlewood swung at Marco Jansen and was caught behind, ending Australia’s innings at 295. South Africa won by an innings and 31 runs. Rain wiped out the morning session, but the hosts took the last six wickets to level the series 1-1 at St George’s Park on Thursday. The final wicket sealed a comeback built under pressure. ^1,3

That comeback began when South Africa fell to 110 for six in their first innings. Captain Temba Bavuma steadied them with a career-best 179 from 334 balls, helping lift the total to 425 for nine declared. Marco Jansen then took five wickets as Australia collapsed to 99 and had to bat again. Australia had not been forced to follow on since 2019. ^1,3

Australia’s second innings lasted longer, but its resistance could not save the match. Travis Head made 121, while nightwatchman Scott Boland stayed at the crease for 166 balls and scored 40. Wiaan Mulder dismissed both, then removed captain Pat Cummins; Kagiso Rabada and Jansen helped finish off the tail. South Africa did it without frontline bowler Anrich Nortje, who was out with a groin injury. The result followed South Africa’s heavy loss in the first Test, showing how sharply the contest had turned. ^1,3

Cape Town now hosts the third Test next week, with the series tied and the winner still to be decided. South Africa took a risk by making Australia bat again, but it gave them time to bowl Australia out despite the rain. For Australia, the collapse from 425 to 99 in the first innings, followed by another defeat, leaves the team needing a response in the deciding match. ^1,3