South Africa crushed Australia by an innings and 31 runs in the second Test at St George’s Park on Thursday, drawing the three-match series level. Rain wiped out another session on the fifth day, but the hosts still claimed the six remaining second-innings wickets they needed to finish the match.
South Africa had lost heavily in the opening game in Durban last week, but they rebounded from 110-6 in the first innings to declare on 425-9. Captain Temba Bavuma’s career-best 179 was the main reason.
Jansen and Mulder dismantle Australia’s batting
Marco Jansen claimed five wickets as Australia were dismissed for 99 and asked to follow on for the first time since 2019. On the final day, Travis Head’s 121 and a 166-ball 40 from nightwatchman Scott Boland resisted the South African attack, along with persistent morning rain. Wiaan Mulder then removed both batters, and the tourists were bowled out for 295.
Series decider set for Cape Town
Jansen struck the final blow by dismissing Josh Hazlewood. The reigning world Test champions now turn their attention to the series decider in Cape Town next week.
