South Africa continued their remarkable comeback against Australia after a stellar Marco Jansen performance helped force the Baggy Greens to follow on after being skittled for just 99 on day four of the second Test.
Jansen (5-33) – who had already made a sizeable contribution after making 85 off 100 with the bat – led a ferocious Proteas bowling attack, aided by important contributions by the returning Kagiso Rabada (2-33) and all-rounder Wiaan Mulder (2-14), seeing off their opponents in just 42.4 overs.
South Africa’s first-innings total of 425 after declaring gave Australia a daunting 326-run deficit, leaving the tourists with an uphill battle after being forced to follow on.
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Marco Jansen took five wickets as Australia were bowled out for just 99 in their first innings, forcing the follow-on on day four of the second Test
Australia finished day four at 156-4 in their second innings, still trailing by 170 runs.
In the first innings, Steve Smith – struggling with a neck injury throughout his innings – top-scored for Australia with a lowly 28, the only batter to score over 20 in a side that saw opener Nic Maddinson (0) and wicketkeeper Alex Carey among five of their 10 batters out for single figures.
Jansen, left, celebrates the wicket of Australia’s Beau Webster
The innings continues a sensational swing of momentum in the match sparked by South Africa skipper Temba Bavuma, who led his side from 110-6 to 425-9 with a momentous 179 off 334 balls.
After following on, Travis Head led with 87 not out as he hit nine fours and faced 138 deliveries by stumps, with Scott Boland (2no) at the other end on nightwatchman duty.
Head and Labuschagne had added 92 off 176 balls for the second wicket to stop the rot for Australia.
Smith, centre is bowled by South Africa’s Mulder
They were 50-1 at tea and Labuschagne fell 11 overs after the break. He hit out against Simon Harmer and was caught at deep mid on by Jansen.
Rabada made it a double blow when Matt Renshaw was bowled for 11 offering no stroke. Head meanwhile reached 50 off 81 balls and added 27 runs with Beau Webster. The latter was out lbw to Harmer just before the close.
Smith did not come out to bat after the hit he took in the first innings earlier in the day. He will undergo another concussion test after a similar incident in the first Test.
The Proteas are looking to level the three-Test series after suffering a heavy defeat in the opening Test in Durban.
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Simon Harmer took a stunning one-handed grab to dismiss Marnus Labuschagne for 14 in Australia’s first innings
Warner slams ‘pathetic’ Test crowds in South Africa
Former Australia batter David Warner has hit out at the “pathetic” attendances in the ongoing Test series in South Africa.
South Africa lost the first Test match by 214 runs in Durban, with large sections of the Kingsmead ground empty, and the crowds have not really picked up through the first two rain-affected days of the second Test in Gqeberha.
“We keep hearing how important Test cricket is but where are the fans in South Africa?” Warner said in a social media post on Tuesday.
“Empty stands, no atmosphere and we’re supposed to believe the format is thriving?
“You can’t keep calling Test cricket the pinnacle of the game if no one turns up to watch it.
“Harsh reality but someone has to say it. Pathetic.”
Warner, along with Steve Smith and Cameron Bancroft, was part of the infamous ‘sandpapergate’ scandal that dominated Australia’s last tour of South Africa in 2018. The then vice-captain was given a one-year ban and told he would never be considered for a leadership position within the team again.
Watch day five of the second Test between South Africa and Australia live on Sky Sports+ from 8.30am, Thursday. Latest Sky Sports deals or stream with no contract on NOW.
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