Australia collapse for 99 as South Africa fight back

Australia were bowled out for 99 by South Africa as the hosts continued their remarkable fightback in the Test match. Having made 425 in their first innings, South Africa enforced the follow-on and left Australia with a deficit of 326. A series-clinching win now looks increasingly unlikely for Australia, who must cut into the deficit to keep their hopes alive.

Jansen led South Africa’s attack with five wickets for 33 runs, having also scored 85 from 100 balls with the bat. Kagiso Rabada took two for 33 and Wiaan Mulder two for 14. Australia’s innings lasted 42.4 overs.

Steve Smith top-scored for Australia with 28 despite struggling with a neck injury throughout his innings. He was the only one of Australia’s ten batters to pass 20. Nic Maddinson was out for no score, while Alex Carey was among five batters dismissed in single figures.

The turnaround was built on South Africa’s reply: under Temba Bavuma, the side moved from 110 for six to 425 for nine. Bavuma made 179 from 334 balls. Earlier in the match, he came in with South Africa at 12 for two and went on to bat across three days. Kagiso Rabada also removed Nic Maddinson in the first over of Australia’s reply.

South Africa are seeking to level the series after a heavy defeat in the first Test, which they lost by 214 runs in Durban. Rain disrupted the first two days of the current Test, and large sections of Kingsmead were empty for the opening match. In a social media post on Tuesday, Warner asked: «We keep hearing how important Test cricket is, but where are the fans in South Africa?»