On 21 October the second Test in Gqeberha swung decisively in favour of the Proteas when Marco Jansen claimed a five‑wicket haul, taking 5‑33 in Australia’s first innings. The hosts collapsed to 99, a total that had not been achieved in 69 Australian innings since 2023.
South Africa had already posted a commanding 425‑9 in their first innings, a declaration after 127.1 overs. Temba Bavuma’s 179, Jansen’s 85 and Simon Harmer’s 82 were the main contributors to the 326‑run lead that left Australia 326 runs behind.
Jansen’s figures were the second five‑for in his last three Tests, a performance that followed a 5‑81 by Scott Boland and a 3‑89 by Mitchell Starc in the same match. The bowlers also secured a follow‑on, a move not seen against Australia since 1988.
Australia’s second‑innings total of 156‑4 left them 170 runs behind, with Steven Smith top‑scoring for the visitors with 28 and reaching 11,000 Test runs in the process. The run‑rate remained a concern for the hosts as they prepared to chase the target on day five.
An injury to Anrich Nortje, who left the field with a suspected groin problem, left South Africa potentially a bowler short for the remainder of the match. The team will need to adapt their bowling plan for the final day of play, scheduled to begin at 9 am local time on 22 October.
The series is now level at 1‑1, with the decider slated for Cape Town from 27 October. Both teams will be looking to secure a win in the final match to avoid a drawn series.
The outcome of day five will determine whether South Africa can close the gap or whether Australia will force a series draw, setting the stage for a high‑stakes final in Cape Town.