South Africa complete famous win over Australia

South Africa complete famous win over Australia

The full report

South Africa bowled out Australia for 295 to win by an innings and 31 runs in the second Test at St George’s Park in Gqeberha on Thursday to level the three-match series, winning a race against looming bad weather. The hosts’ pace trio of Wiaan Mulder, Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen took the last four wickets required as Australia’s resistance crumbled after a century from Travis Head and a doggedly defiant Test high 40 by nightwatchman Scott Boland.

A result in the Test seemed far-fetched when most of the first two days’ play was washed out and South Africa, who were 110-6 when the sun came out on the morning of the third day, looked in early trouble as Australia aimed to capitalise on their success in the first Test. But a brilliant 179 runs from skipper Temba Bavuma led a fightback that saw South Africa declare on 425-9 and then turn the Test on its head by bowling Australia out for 99 and putting them in to bat again.

Travis Head made 121 for Australia and Scott Boland survived 166 deliveries for 40 runs in an attempt to escape Gqeberha with a draw - the tourists’ hopes also boosted by the first session being wiped out by rain. But the Proteas stuck to their task to take the six wickets needed to win by an innings and 31 runs as the light faded late on the last day.

South Africa broke Australia's resistance in the final session to complete a famous victory in the second Test and set up a series decider in Cape Town. The Proteas' pace trio of Wiaan Mulder, Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen took the last four wickets required as Australia's hopes of a draw were dashed.

South Africa's victory must surely rank highly among their great Test wins against Australia, including a Test on this ground in 2018 in the infamous Sandpaper series. The contest has been turned on its head by Bavuma's epic 179 and South Africa twice dismissing Australia, setting up a tantalising finale in Cape Town.