What South Africa Need To Complete A Remarkable Turnaround And Win The Second Test Against Australia

According to a report by Reuters on Thursday, October 22, 2026, South Africa are closing in on an impressive comeback victory against Australia in the second Test at St George’s Park in Gqeberha, with the hosts needing six more wickets to complete a remarkable turnaround and level the series.

Australia ended the fourth day on 156-4 in their second innings, still trailing South Africa by 170 runs. The visitors were forced to follow on after being dismissed for just 99 in their first innings, leaving them with a difficult task heading into the final day.

Travis Head has been Australia’s main source of resistance, finishing the day unbeaten on 87 runs. He will resume batting alongside Scott Boland, who was on two runs when play ended. South Africa will be hoping to break their partnership early and move closer to securing victory.

Australia’s first innings continued to collapse after they resumed the day on 3-1. South Africa’s bowlers maintained the pressure and dismissed the visitors for 99 shortly after lunch, giving the home side a commanding first-innings advantage.

Marco Jansen was the standout performer with the ball, claiming five wickets for 33 runs from 11 overs. Wiaan Mulder contributed two wickets for 14 runs, while Kagiso Rabada also took two wickets for 33 runs. Anrich Nortje claimed one wicket for five runs before a groin injury forced him to leave the field after bowling just 3.3 overs.

South Africa had earlier declared their first innings at 425-9, establishing a lead of 326 runs. Their disciplined bowling and sharp fielding proved too much for Australia, who recorded their fourth-lowest Test innings total against the Proteas.

Simon Harmer also played an important role in Australia’s collapse, taking three wickets. One of the notable moments came when he produced an excellent diving, one-handed catch in the slips to dismiss Marnus Labuschagne.

The day also marked a significant milestone for Steve Smith, who reached 11,000 Test runs. However, the Australian veteran managed only 28 runs in the first innings and could not bat in the second innings because of a neck injury. He moved down the batting order while receiving treatment.

Australia’s second innings began poorly when Nic Maddinson edged Rabada behind to wicketkeeper Ryan Rickelton for eight runs. Head and Labuschagne subsequently combined for a 92-run partnership that helped Australia move beyond their disappointing first-innings total.

However, Labuschagne’s dismissal for 39 ended the partnership after he attempted to attack Harmer and was caught near the boundary. Matt Renshaw, who had played an important role in Australia’s 214-run victory in the opening Test in Durban, was then bowled by Rabada for 11.

Beau Webster became another victim when Harmer trapped him leg before wicket for eight, leaving Australia with a vulnerable lower order heading into the decisive final day.

South Africa’s recovery has been particularly impressive considering that much of the opening two days was lost to rain. The hosts revived their hopes on Tuesday after slipping to 110-6, with captain Temba Bavuma producing a magnificent 179-run innings that transformed the contest.

To complete the remarkable turnaround, South Africa must take the remaining six Australian wickets before the visitors can erase their 170-run deficit and establish a target of their own. Head’s dismissal will be particularly important, as his unbeaten 87 has given Australia renewed hope of extending the contest.

With six wickets needed and one day remaining, South Africa have a significant opportunity to secure victory. However, Australia will be counting on Head and the lower order to resist the home side’s bowling attack and keep their hopes alive.

Hansin_V feedback-opera-news-app@opera.com