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Australia crumbles in South Africa Test as victory slips away
Australia's needless batting urgency in the first innings led to a 99-run collapse and follow-on, leaving them facing defeat on the final day with Steve Smith injured.
In brief
Australia's needless batting urgency in the first innings led to a 99-run collapse and follow-on, leaving them facing defeat on the final day with Steve Smith injured. Australia batted recklessly in their first innings at Gqeberha, scoring just 99 in reply to South Africa's 425, and now face likely defeat on day five…
Australia's tour shapes as a legacy battle
Australia and South Africa, the two best sides in the world, are squaring off in a Test series that veteran Australian tourists see as legacy-shaping for their aging superstars.
South Africa declares on 425 runs
South Africa declared their first innings total at 425 runs, setting up a challenging target for Australia to chase in the Test match at Gqeberha.
Australia collapses to 99 all out
Replying to South Africa's 425, Australia were skittled for 99 in their first innings and asked to follow on, a scatterbrained and embarrassing performance by the tourists.
Jansen takes five wickets in the chaos
Marco Jansen took five wickets for thirty-three runs from eleven overs in Australia's first innings collapse, transforming into an energetic and menacing force after appearing subdued in Durban.
Rabada's return shifts South Africa's energy
Kagiso Rabada, missing from the first Test, returned to transform South Africa's collective energy from amiable in Durban to ruthless and menacing at Gqeberha.
Australia's batsmen show needless urgency
Marnus Labuschagne drove with hard hands off balance, Alex Carey and Beau Webster wafted at deliveries they should have respected, and Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins walloped recklessly.
Head fights back but Smith is injured
Travis Head showed fight in the second innings, finishing undefeated on 87, but Australia ended day four at four for 156 with a deficit of 170 and Steve Smith nursing a neck injury.
Remarkable effort needed to avoid defeat
With its deficit of 170, a neck injury to Steve Smith who hasn't appeared to bat yet in the second innings, it will take something truly remarkable for Australia to pull this game out of…
“it will take something truly remarkable for Australia to pull this game out of the fire on the fifth and final day”
South Africa arrives for final day with victory in mind
South Africa will arrive for the final day with victory in its mind, in this game foremost, but also perhaps in a series that is now thrillingly alive.
The takeaway
Australia batted recklessly in their first innings at Gqeberha, scoring just 99 in reply to South Africa's 425, and now face likely defeat on day five despite Travis Head's 87 in the second innings.
