Rain Hands Australia a Lifeline as South Africa Push for Series-Levelling Win
South Africa's bid to level the three-match series will have to wait a little longer. Frequent rain squalls blew over St George's Park on the final morning of the second Test in Gqeberha, wiping out the entire opening session — and handing Australia, who were bowled out for 99 and forced to follow on, a welcome helping hand in their bid to save the game.
Australia were 156 for 4 in their second innings at the close of day four, still 170 runs behind South Africa's 425 for 9 declared. Play was close to starting a couple of times on Thursday morning, only for the rain to return and the covers to be dragged back on. The forecast suggests the weather will improve during the afternoon — but every lost over chips away at South Africa's time to take the six wickets they need.
From 99 All Out to a Fighting Follow-On
Wednesday had been a day of tumbling wickets. Resuming on 3 for 1, Australia were skittled for 99 — their fourth-lowest total against South Africa — as Marco Jansen, who had hit 85 with the bat, ripped through them with 5 for 33 in 11 overs. Wiaan Mulder bowled Steve Smith for 28, Kagiso Rabada took 2 for 33, and the one worry for the hosts was Anrich Nortje, who claimed a wicket but left the field with a suspected groin injury after just 3.3 overs — leaving South Africa effectively one bowler short.
Forced to follow on, Australia began badly again — Nic Maddinson edging Rabada behind for 8 — before Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne added 92 for the second wicket. Simon Harmer broke the stand (Labuschagne caught by Jansen), Rabada bowled Matt Renshaw for 11, and Harmer trapped Beau Webster lbw late in the day. Head's unbeaten 87, though, kept Australia's faint hopes alive into the final day.
South Africa, who lost the first Test in Durban, know a win here squares the series with one to play. But with Nortje unavailable, a wet outfield, and Head still at the crease alongside nightwatchman Scott Boland, the hosts' path to victory is far from straightforward. If the afternoon stays dry, expect a fascinating final session: six wickets for South Africa, or one of the great escapes for Australia.