GQEBERHA: Australia collapsed to 99 on Wednesday as Marco Jansen took five wickets, and South Africa enforced the follow-on in the second Test at St George’s Park.
Jansen returned figures of 5-33, while Kagiso Rabada and Wiaan Mulder claimed two wickets each. Steve Smith top-scored with 28 runs as the tourists struggled against South Africa’s bowling attack.
The hosts secured a 326-run first-innings lead after declaring at 425-9. Captain Temba Bavuma’s 179 had earlier rescued South Africa from a difficult position.
Australia had to follow on for only the third time in 38 years. They had done so against India in 2019 and England in 2005.
Jansen struck first on Wednesday, removing nightwatchman Scott Boland after Australia lost opener Nic Maddinson late on Tuesday. He then trapped Travis Head leg-before-wicket following a successful review.
Soon afterwards, Simon Harmer caught Marnus Labuschagne at slip off Anrich Nortje. However, Nortje managed just 3.3 overs before leaving the field with an apparent groin injury. Jansen continued the damage by dismissing Matt Renshaw and Alex Carey in the same over.
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He later removed Beau Webster to complete his fifth five-wicket haul in Test cricket. Meanwhile, Mulder bowled Smith after the Australian batter received treatment for a neck problem during his 88-ball innings.
Mitchell Starc and captain Pat Cummins departed shortly afterwards. Australia lost their final nine wickets inside 40 overs on the fourth day. Their highest partnership produced just 23 runs.
Read: Australia Crushes South Africa by 276 Runs in Record-Breaking ODI
South Africa had struggled at 110-6 early on Tuesday before Bavuma led a recovery. Jansen added 85, while Harmer added 82, helping the home side build its first-innings total.
Scott Boland finished with 5-81 for Australia. The first-innings deficit was Australia’s largest since their Test against the West Indies in November 1984.
Australia entered the match leading the series 1-0, but South Africa now has an opportunity to level the contest. The second Test continues on Thursday, with Australia facing the final day’s play after following on.
