Marco Jansen propelled South Africa into a dominant position on day four of the second Test, claiming a clinical five-wicket haul that dismantled Australia. Following South Africa’s declared total of 425/9, anchored by Temba Bavuma’s 179 and significant contributions from Jansen (85) and Simon Harmer (82), Australia’s first innings lasted just 38.3 overs, collapsing for 99 runs. The tourists were subsequently forced to follow on, setting the stage for a tense battle for survival. And Jansen himself, tailored South Africa’s steely comeback on the previous day, marco Jansen landed Australia in soup with a five-wicket haul that accelerated their collapse on Day 4 after Temba Bavuma. And having to bat again with the threat of a big defeat looming over them, it took just 38.3 overs for Australia to fold for 99 in reply to South Africa’s 428/9 declared. There was no repeat of the collapse though. But that’s how it panned out for his team as the Test swung fiercely in South Africa’s direction, boland wouldn’t have imagined starting and ending the day in the middle with a bat in hand.
The morning session was defined by Jansen’s relentless accuracy. He struck with the very first ball to dismiss Scott Boland and later accounted for Travis Head. Despite a determined effort from Marnus Labuschagne, he fell to a spectacular one-handed catch by Simon Harmer at gully. Although Steve Smith and Matt Renshaw attempted to stabilize the innings, Jansen struck again in a pivotal double-wicket over, removing both Renshaw and Alex Carey. The tail soon followed, with Beau Webster caught off Jansen’s bowling and Wiaan Mulder dismissing Smith. Jansen finished the innings by removing Pat Cummins, leaving Australia just shy of three figures. Steve Smith and Matt Renshaw dug in for the next 15-odd overs and seemed set to take Australia to Lunch without further damage but Jansen delivered a double-wicket over where he dismissed Renshaw and Alex Carey.
Facing a massive deficit, Australia’s second innings began poorly when Kagiso Rabada dismissed Nic Maddinson early. However, Travis Head and Labuschagne orchestrated a gritty fightback, sharing a 92-run partnership that spanned nearly 30 overs. Labuschagne eventually fell after miscuing an aggressive shot against Harmer, with Jansen taking a difficult catch while running backward. Following this, Rabada clean-bowled Renshaw, and Harmer trapped Beau Webster leg-before, further tightening South Africa’s grip.
By stumps, Australia stood at 156/4, still 170 runs behind. Travis Head remained unbeaten on 87 off 138 deliveries, serving as the lone bastion of defiance. With Australia requiring a significant effort to overhaul the deficit, the match remains heavily skewed in South Africa’s favor as they look to secure series parity on the final day. Leaving the visitors at 156/4 at stumps, marnus Labuschagne and Travis Head pushed back with a show of defiance but South Africa managed to crack that too. Had a subdued acknowledgement of it, and walked off at stumps on 87* off 138, head scored a fifty.
In summary of the match statistics: South Africa declared at 425/9. Australia posted 99 and 156/4 in their second attempt. Bowling highlights included Scott Boland taking 5/81 and Mitchell Starc 3/89 for Australia, while for South Africa, Kagiso Rabada and Simon Harmer have each taken two wickets in the second innings to complement Jansen’s earlier masterclass.
