Australia will need another 170 runs to avoid an innings defeat against South Africa on the fifth and final day of the second Test at St George’s Park in Gqeberha.

After being bowled out for just 99 in their first innings on Day Four, Australia were forced to follow on. At stumps, the visitors were 156 for four in their second innings, still trailing South Africa by 170 runs.

The Proteas bowlers made up for lost time after rain interruptions affected the opening two days of the Test, taking nine Australian wickets across two and a half sessions to put the hosts firmly in control.

Marco Jansen was the chief destroyer in Australia’s first innings, claiming five wickets for 33 runs in 11 overs. Kagiso Rabada provided excellent support, taking two wickets for 33 runs in his 12 overs, while Bjorn Fortuin also made an impact with two wickets for just 14 runs in nine overs.

Australia struggled again in their second innings, with Rabada and Simon Harmer sharing the spoils.

Rabada claimed two wickets for 30 runs in 11 overs, while Harmer took two wickets for 47 runs in 18 overs, leaving the visitors facing an uphill battle to save the Test.

South Africa had earlier declared their first innings on 425 for seven, built around a magnificent 179 from captain Temba Bavuma, who anchored the innings and put his side in a commanding position.

Jansen, who played a pivotal role with the ball, said the Proteas were aware they would have to make the most of the limited time available following the rain delays.

“Obviously, we knew because of the first two days with the rain and everything that we were going to have to try and bowl either as best as possible, either first innings or second innings. And, yeah, just very, very happy the way it turned out and just happy that we could capitalise on the wickets and the new ball,” Jansen said.
The left-arm fast bowler praised the team’s intensity and the contribution of the fielders, highlighting the importance of taking their chances when they came.

“I thought the guys bowled really, really well with a lot of intent and energy, and, yeah, it’s one thing to bowl a certain way, but it’s another thing to be backed up by the fielders as well.”

Jansen singled out the fielding effort, which helped South Africa maintain their momentum throughout Australia’s first innings.

“Hammy took an absolutely stunner there, and also Sarel with that great catching, second slip, and, yeah, just everything basically going our way. It’s a nice feeling,” he said.

Beyond his bowling contribution, Jansen also reflected on his continued efforts to improve his batting, explaining that his progress has largely been driven by his mental approach and confidence at the crease.

“I’m not the technically most sound or beautiful-looking batter, but I like to think, from a personal perspective, I know I can trust my hands,” he said.

“I know I can, if I just from a mental point of view think in a positive way, I’m already giving myself the best chance to execute whatever shot I’m trying to execute.”

The all-rounder admitted that his batting has gone through periods of uncertainty, but said he has worked on trusting his instincts and committing to his decisions.

“Where in the past there was a bit of doubt in terms of the way I wanted to go about it, where, for example, I was always trying to lean towards the positive option, whatever that may seem like in my head at the time,” Jansen explained.

He also acknowledged that scoring heavily at Test level sometimes requires a bit of fortune.
“There’s one top edge that stays in no-man’s land. That pull shot I went for six just over the boundary. There’s also those things where you have to sit and you have to realise that you have to have a little bit of luck as well, especially when you play inningses like that.”

Jansen also discussed the differences between batting conditions in Durban and Gqeberha, explaining that the St George’s Park surface required greater discipline and awareness.

“Durban was a different wicket. It was a bit, not flatter, but it was a lot more conducive, I felt, for batting. You could play a lot more shots on the up to the ball,” he said.

He added that the conditions in Gqeberha demanded greater control over his movements at the crease.

“As soon as your hands lead your body, you have to be on it, otherwise the ball can sort of get away from you.”

The Proteas all-rounder also highlighted the impact of the wind at St George’s Park, particularly when judging high catches.

“St George’s especially, that pocket over there, the wind swirls. So you think you hit it, even if you hit it up the middle, you sort of, it’s a different way of hitting sixes here. You sort of have to hit it more flatter,” Jansen said.

Reflecting on South Africa’s overall performance, Jansen explained that the team had initially targeted a competitive first-innings total before turning their attention to bowling Australia out.

“At one stage we thought 250 was going to be a good score, and, yeah, luckily for us we just capitalised on that, myself and Hammy at the back and obviously Temba as well, and also Rich as well.”

Once South Africa had built a substantial total, the focus shifted to taking 20 wickets and putting Australia under pressure.
“As soon as we got that score on the board, likewise with the bowling, we knew that we were going to have to bowl them out, because if you bat well you can build big partnerships over here,” he said.

Jansen emphasised the importance of remaining focused on the immediate task rather than becoming distracted by the bigger picture.

“I think you can get yourself in trouble if you think too far ahead of the game, and I think we did that really well in terms of just focusing on what we can do or what we were trying to do in whatever moment.”

He added: “You can only do what you can do with this particular ball or this present ball, and then the next ball and the next ball. And I think we did that really well.”

Jansen also reflected on the competitive nature of facing Australia, describing the contest as one that often involves a game within a game.

He acknowledged Marnus Labuschagne as a fierce competitor and said South Africa needed to remain focused when dealing with the Australian batter’s approach.

“With Marnus, he’s a fierce competitor, as we all know. So I know and everyone here knows that. Even though there’s his little nuances or his way of doing things, he’s a fierce competitor and you have to be at your best to firstly restrict him from scoring and then secondly trying to get him out,” Jansen said.

He added that the exchanges between the players were part of the competitive nature of Test cricket.

“It’s a fun way of playing a game within a game, if it makes sense. It’s not like a mental thing, but it is funny sometimes when they’re back together.”

With one day remaining, the Proteas are firmly positioned to push for victory, but Australia will need a determined batting effort on the final morning if they are to prolong the contest.
South Africa will be looking to finish the job, with Rabada, Jansen and Harmer expected to play key roles as the hosts close in on a potentially decisive result in Gqeberha.

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