South Africa defeated Australia by an innings and 31 runs in the second Test at St George’s Park on Thursday, levelling the three-match series after a dominant comeback performance.
Despite rain washing out part of the final day, the Proteas claimed the remaining six wickets to seal victory. South Africa recovered from 110/6 in their first innings to declare at 425/9, with captain Temba Bavuma producing a career-best 179. Australia’s batting then collapsed to 99, with Marco Jansen claiming five wickets and forcing the visitors to follow on for the first time since 2019.
Travis Head led Australia’s resistance in the second innings with a fighting 121, while nightwatchman Scott Boland contributed 40 off 166 balls. Their efforts delayed South Africa’s victory, but Wiaan Mulder dismissed both batters as Australia were eventually bowled out for 295.
Jansen finished the match by removing Josh Hazlewood, completing South Africa’s emphatic victory and setting up a series decider in Cape Town next week.
The reigning World Test champions bounced back strongly after losing the opening Test in Durban.