Australia dismissed for 99 as South Africa enforce follow-on in second Test

Australia were dismissed for 99 and forced to follow on against South Africa in the second Test at St George’s Park, Gqeberha, on 21 October. The Guardian reported that the tourists ended day four on 156 for four in their second innings, still 170 runs behind with one scheduled day remaining.

South Africa had made 425 in their first innings, giving them a lead of 326 when Australia were bowled out. Captain Temba Bavuma chose to send the visitors straight back in. The decision gave South Africa another chance to press for victory before the close, while leaving Australia to bat through the final day to save the match.

Jansen leads South Africa’s first-innings attack

Steve Smith made 28 before Wiaan Mulder bowled him. The Guardian reported that Smith was dealing with a neck problem that made it difficult to turn his head. That account leaves his fitness relevant to Australia’s attempt to survive the final day, though the extent of the problem was not immediately clear.

Head carries Australia’s hopes into the final day

Rabada removed Nic Maddinson early in Australia’s second innings. Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne then helped the tourists pass their first-innings total with only one wicket down, before Labuschagne was caught in the deep for 39 while attacking Simon Harmer. Australia subsequently lost Matthew Renshaw for 11 and Webster for eight.

Head was unbeaten on 87 at the close, according to the Guardian’s day-four report. Smith, Carey and Head were among the batters Australia could still call on, but the tourists first needed another 170 runs to make South Africa bat again. Cricket Australia’s match listing schedules the second Test for 18–22 October, leaving 22 October as its final scheduled day.