Sports · Cricket · 1 hr ago
South Africa beat Australia by an innings to level Test series
South Africa beat Australia by an innings and 31 runs in the second Test at St George’s Park in Gqeberha.
The win levelled the series 1-1 after Australia had won the first Test in Durban.
South Africa captain Temba Bavuma made 179 after his team were 110 for six, helping them reach 425 for nine before declaring.
Australia then collapsed to 99 in their first innings, and Marco Jansen took five wickets.
Forced to bat again, Australia made 296, with Travis Head scoring a century, but the deficit was too large to overcome.
The result was Australia’s first innings defeat in South Africa in 56 years.
The teams are due to play a series decider in Cape Town.
South Africa beat Australia by an innings and 31 runs in the second Test at St George’s Park in Gqeberha.
The win levelled the series 1-1 and set up a decider in Cape Town.
Australia were dismissed for 99 in their first innings after South Africa declared at 425/9.
South Africa captain Temba Bavuma scored 179, while Marco Jansen took five wickets in Australia’s first innings.
Former Australia batter Simon Katich said several players were playing to save their places in the team.
- Who
- South Africa beat Australia in the second Test.
- What
- South Africa won by an innings and 31 runs, levelling the series 1-1.
- When
- Thursday, October 22, 2026.
- Where
- St George’s Park in Gqeberha, South Africa.
- Why
- South Africa’s 425/9 and Australia’s first-innings total of 99 set up the innings defeat.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Usman Khawaja said Steve Smith had become more susceptible to bouncers since being struck by Jofra Archer during the Ashes.
Steve Smith said he was uncertain whether he would still be playing by the next Ashes.
Smith batted in the second Test while dealing with a neck complaint, according to Fox Cricket.
South Africa beat Australia by an innings and 31 runs, levelling the series 1-1.
- Second Test result
- South Africa won by an innings and 31 runs
- Series score
- 1-1
- South Africa first innings
- 425/9 declared
- Australia first innings
- 99 all out
- Temba Bavuma
- 179 runs
- Marco Jansen
- Five wickets in Australia’s first innings
5 sources
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What people are saying
There are a number of players playing for their careers in this innings
Only he knows what was going through his mind when he tried to take Harmer down the ground, against the breeze, when Australia are trying to play for a draw.
I feel like I am on repeat
When you do that hard work, you've got to cash in, and unfortunately, that wasn't to be the case for Marn. We were disappointed, and he will be too,