Rain and Boland hound South Africa in Gqeberha

Rain and Boland hound South Africa in Gqeberha Hosts are 20 for 2 after only 12.2 overs of play was possible on the opening day The three who matter: Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah all smiles after dismissing Pat Cummins The three who matter: Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah all smiles after dismissing Pat Cummins, India vs Australia, World Cup, Chennai, October 8, 2023 Boland’s brace, where he removed Aiden Markram and David Bedingham in consecutive balls to put himself on a hat-trick, left South Africa labouring on 20 for 2 when rain returned during the afternoon and didn’t relent with played abandoned at 4.15pm.

Overs can be made up across subsequent days although there is more poor weather on the forecasts. The morning drizzle had cleared to allow an on-time toss, which Pat Cummins won and inserted South Africa, but returned to delay the start by 90 minutes. Only 5.3 overs were possible before the next stoppage which brought an early lunch.

In that short period of play Mitchell Starc had struggled a little from the Park Drive End and on resumon Boland was brought straight into the attack. His first delivery fell well short of Alex Carey but his next skimmed past the edge of debutant Marques Ackerman as he began with a maiden. Four balls into his next over Boland was in the wickets when Markram, who had put away two handsome drives against Starc in the first passage of play, looked to come forward into a delivery which nipped back and took an inside edge to flatten middle stump.

The next delivery was in the channel outside off stump and drew Bedingham into pushing away from his body to take a thick edge. Boland wasn’t far from a hat-trick, either, when Temba Bavuma got an inside edge into his pads which led to stifled peals from the Australians who had seen this sort of impact from the 37-year-old plenty of times before . It was hard work for all the South Africa batters and there could be few tougher introductions to Test cricket for Ackerman, who had never opened before in his first-class career.

After sweating on 0 for 14 balls a thick edge squeezed past gully to get him off the mark moments before players left the field for rain the first time. Bavuma, who had a poor Test with the bat in Durban, got off the mark with a thick edge through the cordon. Earlier in the day, it was clear about 15 minutes before the toss that Australia had opted for an all-pace attack when Lyon was walking round in trainers while Boland warmed up then marked out his run with the offspinner holding the te measure.

It was the first time since 2013 that Lyon had not featured in a red-ball Test when he had been available. Last year he was twice omitted from day-night Tests in Jamaica and Brisbane, decisions he wasn’t impressed with on either occasion. Australia’s spin for this match will be in the hands of their various part-timers: Matt Renshaw, Travis Head, Beau Webster and Marnus Labuschagne.

South Africa were boosted by the return of Kagiso Rabada which saw Keshav Maharaj left out as the home side re-balanced their attack, although unlike Australia they still fielded a specialist spinner in Simon Harmer. Alongside Ackerman, Matthew Breetzke also came into the batting line-up while Ryan Rickelton was moved into the middle order as wicketkeeper. Aiden Markram was bowled off the inside edge by Scott Boland, South Africa vs Australia, 2nd Test, Gqeberha, 1st day, October 18, 2026 inside edge onto the stumps.

Markram looked so good. He was so judicious about what to play and what to leave. So Boland had to be perfect to produce the mistake.

The length to draw him forward and think about the drive but nowhere near the half-volley that makes the shot riskfree. Australia’s metronome hits it. His wobble seam gets the ball to nip in.

Beat the middle of the bat. Snag the inside half and crash into the sticks, producing a doleful clang. Aiden Markram was bowled off the inside edge by Scott Boland, South Africa vs Australia, 2nd Test, Gqeberha, 1st day, October 18, 2026 the slightest indiscipline and it’s punished.

Boland askes the batter to drive. But he doesn’t give the half-volley. Ackerman says it’s fine.

He’s gonna go for it. Thrusting way out in front of his body. Leaves him vulnerable to the away seam.

Gone Scott Boland picked up his third wicket soon after play resumed, South Africa vs Australia, 2nd Test, Gqeberha, 2nd day, October 19, 2026 two in two! Boland’s accuracy is making things hpen for Australia. New batter goes feeling for one outside off.

This time it seams away. Snags the edge of a half-hearted push down the ground. Simple catch for Carey.

Bavuma done in by the angle. Has to walk back, gets a few handshakes, calls in Rabada too . SA HAVE DECLARED.

Scrambled seam, landed on a length around off and seemed to straighten. Bavuma looked to defend straight and Carey dove low to the left to take his 200th Test catch. Ends Bavuma’s 179, his personal best, it’s taken SA from a point of deep trouble to one of comfort if not luxury Temba Bavuma reached 150 after tea, South Africa vs Australia, 2nd Test, Gqeberha, Day 3, October 20, 2026 Temba Bavuma became the first half-centurion of the innings with South Africa six down, South Africa vs Australia, 2nd Test, Gqeberha, Day 3, October 20, 2026 goooone.

Told you he was on it today. Breetzke might have helped Starc out a bit here, playing well away from his body. Of all the wickets that SA have lost, this might be the worst one.

Breetzke has been leaving balls that were a lot closer to his off stump from the right-arm quicks. The left-armer, the change in angle, makes him loose, makes him go chasing Mitchell Starc got rid of Matthew Breetzke, South Africa vs Australia, 2nd Test, Gqeberha, 2nd day, October 19, 2026 the dropped catch will not haunt Australia anymore because Scotty B has come up clutch again! And this is an absolute worldie.

Back of a length in the channel. A bit of jag away and Rickelton goes following it. The ball takes the outside edge and Carey, for some reason, does not dive for it.

Renshaw realizes that at the last moment, and flings out his right mitt to make it stick inches off the turf. Not sure how Renshaw has pulled that off, but that tallies with how this series is going for him. Huge breakthrough just before stumps!

Scott Boland sent back Ryan Rickelton for his fourth wicket, South Africa vs Australia, 2nd Test, Gqeberha, 2nd day, October 19, 2026 Wiaan Mulder fell gloving a brute of a bouncer from Mitchell Starc, South Africa vs Australia, 2nd Test, Gqeberha, Day 3, October 20, 2026 bounced out? Australia opt for DRS. 144kph nasty from Starc.

After all those freebies that Mulder could just let go, could just switch off, this one bangs into the middle of the pitch on leg stump and almost gathers pace off it. Mulder is caught in the crease, not knowing what to do, his hands come up for a shot, then he decides to duck, in the end he’s just all crampled up and UltraEdge seems to suggest the ball bounces off the glove through to first slip. That’s Starc’s 450th Test wicket and it’s what fast bowlers dream off.

Complete annihilation of the opponent. Pat Cummins’ successful review resulted in Mitchell Starc getting his 450th Test wicket, South Africa vs Australia, 2nd Test, Gqeberha, Day 3, October 20, 2026 Mitchell Starc knew Wiaan Mulder had gloved him to slip, South Africa vs Australia, 2nd Test, Gqeberha, 3rd day, October 20, 2026 times it so well but forgets to place it anywhere near good. A huge partnership, a great rescue operation is now undone and Jansen walks off looking ruefully at the middle of his bat, the big meaty middle off which this good length ball on off stump went flying and then settled safely in the hands of short midwicket.

Good grab from Head moving to his left and taking it shoulder height. And five for Boland. Scott Boland became the second oldest Australian pacer to take a five-for in men’s Tests, South Africa vs Australia, 2nd Test, Gqeberha, 3rd day, October 20, 2026 Marco Jansen walks back after making a crucial 85, South Africa vs Australia, 2nd Test, Gqeberha, 3rd day, October 20, 2026 Hits off stump and ends a decade-long partnership , it’s felt like one.

Flat length ball on off, Harmer got on one knee for the slog sweep. Ball looked to have skidded on, under the bat. Ends a match-defining knock Mitchell Starc got rid of Matthew Breetzke, South Africa vs Australia, 2nd Test, Gqeberha, 2nd day, October 19, 2026 Pat Cummins’ successful review resulted in Mitchell Starc getting his 450th Test wicket, South Africa vs Australia, 2nd Test, Gqeberha, Day 3, October 20, 2026 Mitchell Starc knew Wiaan Mulder had gloved him to slip, South Africa vs Australia, 2nd Test, Gqeberha, 3rd day, October 20, 2026 Temba Bavuma became the first half-centurion of the innings with South Africa six down, South Africa vs Australia, 2nd Test, Gqeberha, Day 3, October 20, 2026 goooone.

Told you he was on it today. Breetzke might have helped Starc out a bit here, playing well away from his body. Of all the wickets that SA have lost, this might be the worst one.

Breetzke has been leaving balls that were a lot closer to his off stump from the right-arm quicks. The left-armer, the change in angle, makes him loose, makes him go chasing bounced out? Australia opt for DRS.

144kph nasty from Starc. After all those freebies that Mulder could just let go, could just switch off, this one bangs into the middle of the pitch on leg stump and almost gathers pace off it. Mulder is caught in the crease, not knowing what to do, his hands come up for a shot, then he decides to duck, in the end he’s just all crampled up and UltraEdge seems to suggest the ball bounces off the glove through to first slip.

That’s Starc’s 450th Test wicket and it’s what fast bowlers dream off. Complete annihilation of the opponent. Bavuma done in by the angle.

Has to walk back, gets a few handshakes, calls in Rabada too . SA HAVE DECLARED. Scrambled seam, landed on a length around off and seemed to straighten.

Bavuma looked to defend straight and Carey dove low to the left to take his 200th Test catch. Ends Bavuma’s 179, his personal best, it’s taken SA from a point of deep trouble to one of comfort if not luxury Aiden Markram was bowled off the inside edge by Scott Boland, South Africa vs Australia, 2nd Test, Gqeberha, 1st day, October 18, 2026 Scott Boland picked up his third wicket soon after play resumed, South Africa vs Australia, 2nd Test, Gqeberha, 2nd day, October 19, 2026 Scott Boland sent back Ryan Rickelton for his fourth wicket, South Africa vs Australia, 2nd Test, Gqeberha, 2nd day, October 19, 2026 Wiaan Mulder fell gloving a brute of a bouncer from Mitchell Starc, South Africa vs Australia, 2nd Test, Gqeberha, Day 3, October 20, 2026 Scott Boland became the second oldest Australian pacer to take a five-for in men’s Tests, South Africa vs Australia, 2nd Test, Gqeberha, 3rd day, October 20, 2026 Marco Jansen walks back after making a crucial 85, South Africa vs Australia, 2nd Test, Gqeberha, 3rd day, October 20, 2026 inside edge onto the stumps. Markram looked so good.

He was so judicious about what to play and what to leave. So Boland had to be perfect to produce the mistake. The length to draw him forward and think about the drive but nowhere near the half-volley that makes the shot riskfree.

Australia’s metronome hits it. His wobble seam gets the ball to nip in. Beat the middle of the bat.

Snag the inside half and crash into the sticks, producing a doleful clang. Boland’s accuracy is making things hpen for Australia. New batter goes feeling for one outside off.

This time it seams away. Snags the edge of a half-hearted push down the ground. Simple catch for Carey.

the slightest indiscipline and it’s punished. Boland askes the batter to drive. But he doesn’t give the half-volley.

Ackerman says it’s fine. He’s gonna go for it. Thrusting way out in front of his body.

Leaves him vulnerable to the away seam. Gone the dropped catch will not haunt Australia anymore because Scotty B has come up clutch again! And this is an absolute worldie.

Back of a length in the channel. A bit of jag away and Rickelton goes following it. The ball takes the outside edge and Carey, for some reason, does not dive for it.

Renshaw realizes that at the last moment, and flings out his right mitt to make it stick inches off the turf. Not sure how Renshaw has pulled that off, but that tallies with how this series is going for him. Huge breakthrough just before stumps!

times it so well but forgets to place it anywhere near good. A huge partnership, a great rescue operation is now undone and Jansen walks off looking ruefully at the middle of his bat, the big meaty middle off which this good length ball on off stump went flying and then settled safely in the hands of short midwicket. Good grab from Head moving to his left and taking it shoulder height.

And five for Boland. Temba Bavuma reached 150 after tea, South Africa vs Australia, 2nd Test, Gqeberha, Day 3, October 20, 2026 Hits off stump and ends a decade-long partnership , it’s felt like one. Flat length ball on off, Harmer got on one knee for the slog sweep.

Ball looked to have skidded on, under the bat. Ends a match-defining knock inside edge onto the stumps. Markram looked so good.

He was so judicious about what to play and what to leave. So Boland had to be perfect to produce the mistake. The length to draw him forward and think about the drive but nowhere near the half-volley that makes the shot riskfree.

Australia’s metronome hits it. His wobble seam gets the ball to nip in. Beat the middle of the bat.

Snag the inside half and crash into the sticks, producing a doleful clang. Aiden Markram was bowled off the inside edge by Scott Boland, South Africa vs Australia, 2nd Test, Gqeberha, 1st day, October 18, 2026 two in two! Boland’s accuracy is making things hpen for Australia.

New batter goes feeling for one outside off. This time it seams away. Snags the edge of a half-hearted push down the ground.

Simple catch for Carey. the slightest indiscipline and it’s punished. Boland askes the batter to drive.

But he doesn’t give the half-volley. Ackerman says it’s fine. He’s gonna go for it.

Thrusting way out in front of his body. Leaves him vulnerable to the away seam. Gone Scott Boland picked up his third wicket soon after play resumed, South Africa vs Australia, 2nd Test, Gqeberha, 2nd day, October 19, 2026 goooone.

Told you he was on it today. Breetzke might have helped Starc out a bit here, playing well away from his body. Of all the wickets that SA have lost, this might be the worst one.

Breetzke has been leaving balls that were a lot closer to his off stump from the right-arm quicks. The left-armer, the change in angle, makes him loose, makes him go chasing Mitchell Starc got rid of Matthew Breetzke, South Africa vs Australia, 2nd Test, Gqeberha, 2nd day, October 19, 2026 the dropped catch will not haunt Australia anymore because Scotty B has come up clutch again! And this is an absolute worldie.

Back of a length in the channel. A bit of jag away and Rickelton goes following it. The ball takes the outside edge and Carey, for some reason, does not dive for it.

Renshaw realizes that at the last moment, and flings out his right mitt to make it stick inches off the turf. Not sure how Renshaw has pulled that off, but that tallies with how this series is going for him. Huge breakthrough just before stumps!

Scott Boland sent back Ryan Rickelton for his fourth wicket, South Africa vs Australia, 2nd Test, Gqeberha, 2nd day, October 19, 2026 Wiaan Mulder fell gloving a brute of a bouncer from Mitchell Starc, South Africa vs Australia, 2nd Test, Gqeberha, Day 3, October 20, 2026 bounced out? Australia opt for DRS. 144kph nasty from Starc.

After all those freebies that Mulder could just let go, could just switch off, this one bangs into the middle of the pitch on leg stump and almost gathers pace off it. Mulder is caught in the crease, not knowing what to do, his hands come up for a shot, then he decides to duck, in the end he’s just all crampled up and UltraEdge seems to suggest the ball bounces off the glove through to first slip. That’s Starc’s 450th Test wicket and it’s what fast bowlers dream off.

Complete annihilation of the opponent. Pat Cummins’ successful review resulted in Mitchell Starc getting his 450th Test wicket, South Africa vs Australia, 2nd Test, Gqeberha, Day 3, October 20, 2026 Mitchell Starc knew Wiaan Mulder had gloved him to slip, South Africa vs Australia, 2nd Test, Gqeberha, 3rd day, October 20, 2026 times it so well but forgets to place it anywhere near good. A huge partnership, a great rescue operation is now undone and Jansen walks off looking ruefully at the middle of his bat, the big meaty middle off which this good length ball on off stump went flying and then settled safely in the hands of short midwicket.

Good grab from Head moving to his left and taking it shoulder height. And five for Boland. Scott Boland became the second oldest Australian pacer to take a five-for in men’s Tests, South Africa vs Australia, 2nd Test, Gqeberha, 3rd day, October 20, 2026 Marco Jansen walks back after making a crucial 85, South Africa vs Australia, 2nd Test, Gqeberha, 3rd day, October 20, 2026 Hits off stump and ends a decade-long partnership , it’s felt like one.

Flat length ball on off, Harmer got on one knee for the slog sweep. Ball looked to have skidded on, under the bat. Ends a match-defining knock Nicked, gone!

Bavuma done in by the angle. Has to walk back, gets a few handshakes, calls in Rabada too . SA HAVE DECLARED.

Scrambled seam, landed on a length around off and seemed to straighten. Bavuma looked to defend straight and Carey dove low to the left to take his 200th Test catch. Ends Bavuma’s 179, his personal best, it’s taken SA from a point of deep trouble to one of comfort if not luxury Temba Bavuma reached 150 after tea, South Africa vs Australia, 2nd Test, Gqeberha, Day 3, October 20, 2026 Temba Bavuma became the first half-centurion of the innings with South Africa six down, South Africa vs Australia, 2nd Test, Gqeberha, Day 3, October 20, 2026 Maddinson has a four-ball duck that’s felt much longer than it was.

The struggle ends with a catch third slip. His front foot didn’t go across much, the fullish length ball was angling away and he tried to drive through cover. All-hands stuff and the ball took a thin edge.

Rabada strikes first over on Test return. He punches the air across his chest Kagiso Rabada struck in his first over, South Africa vs Australia, 2nd Test, Gqeberha, Day 3, October 20, 2026 lbw shout, not given. On a length in the channel, and this decks back in.

Head props forward and seems to keep it out via a combination of bat and pad. SA deliberate and review. They think it is pad-first.

Could be close if that was the case. No bat involved, but this might be a touch high. Oh, what do we know.

Ball Tracking returns three reds, with the ball crashing into the top of middle. Jansen has two, and Australia reeling now! Marco Jansen got Travis Head lbw using DRS, South Africa vs Australia, 2nd Test, Gqeberha, Day 4, October 21, 2026 Marco Jansen wasn’t sure of reviewing but was chuffed when it got him Travis Head’s wicket, South Africa vs Australia, 2nd Test, Gqeberha, Day 4, October 21, 2026 nicked and gone!

Easy game, ain’t it?! First ball in the innings for Jansen, and he lands it on a hard length on off. Wobble seam, and the ball nips away just a smidgen.

Boland wafts at it and gets a healthy edge that Rickelton gobbles up. Jansen on the board early on day four, and Australia’s night-watcher departs! Marco Jansen made short work of Scott Boland, South Africa vs Australia, 2nd Test, Gqeberha, Day 4, October 21, 2026 what a screamer, and Labuschagne’s lean run continues!

Full outside off, and this entices Labuschagne into a drive. The ball straightens just a smidgen and takes the outside edge. Harmer, stood at gully, flings out his left mitt and makes it stick.

World-class catch to hand a world-class bowling attack another wicket, and Australia well under the cosh! Anrich Nortje seamed the ball off a full length to have Marnus Labuschagne caught in the slips, South Africa vs Australia, 2nd Test, Gqeberha, Day 4, October 21, 2026 hot knife through butter, and Smith falls! Back of a length outside off.

Jags back in sharply and Smith gets cut in half. Does not move his feet enough, and does not get behind the line either. A small g between bat and pad, and the ball bursts through to knock back off stump.

Smith seemed to be struggling throughout and now, he has to trudge off. Australia in a whole he of trouble! Steven Smith was knocked over with Ryan Rickelton standing up to the stumps, South Africa vs Australia, 2nd Test, Gqeberha, Day 4, October 21, 2026 Taken…

and Jansen is chuffed. Lets Renshaw know too . Renshaw turns back, camera pans away, Renshaw walks back dispointed.

139ks back of lengther around off. It was angling in and reared a touch. Could Renshaw have left it on length?

Hard to pin that against him because of the angle. Anyway, Renshaw tried to defend it with a vertical bat in front of his chest, bat-face opened and the ball went to third slip Anrich Nortje walked off in his fourth over, South Africa vs Australia, 2nd Test, Gqeberha, Day 4, October 21, 2026 Tall runs and now Tall wickets! Jansen has Australia falling off a height.

Gentle punches of the air before a le as the cordon run in to celebrate. Back of length outside off, this was definitely there to leave. Carey wanted to run it to third, went for the late dab but had to check his shot because of the extra bounce.

Feeling-for-it shot. Thin edge, high on the bat too. Ricks couldn’t have smiled any wider upon taking it gone this time, and Jansen has five!

Back of a length in the fifth stump channel. Webster sees the width and decides to have a pop. Does not get over the bounce, though, and the ball might have angled in slightly to rid him of the requisite room.

A thick outside edge on the jab and Markram moves smartly to his left at second slip to snaffle it up. Australia sink deeper into trouble! skewed up, and Australia have been rolled over for 99!

Follow-on enforced too! Slanted in on a length on middle and leg. Cummins looks to whip it away but gets under it way too much.

Only gets height on it, and deep square leg is placed exactly for that type of miscue. Easy catch in the deep, and Australia concede a mammoth first-innings lead! Rabada nicks off Starc, and Australia are nine down!

Back of a length in the channel, and this straightens ever so slightly. Starc, because of the angle from around the wicket, feels the need to play at it. All he manages is a tickle through to Rickelton, and Australia in danger of getting bowled out for a sub-100 total!

Kagiso Rabada struck in his first over, South Africa vs Australia, 2nd Test, Gqeberha, Day 3, October 20, 2026 Maddinson has a four-ball duck that’s felt much longer than it was. The struggle ends with a catch third slip. His front foot didn’t go across much, the fullish length ball was angling away and he tried to drive through cover.

All-hands stuff and the ball took a thin edge. Rabada strikes first over on Test return. He punches the air across his chest Rabada nicks off Starc, and Australia are nine down!

Back of a length in the channel, and this straightens ever so slightly. Starc, because of the angle from around the wicket, feels the need to play at it. All he manages is a tickle through to Rickelton, and Australia in danger of getting bowled out for a sub-100 total!

Marco Jansen made short work of Scott Boland, South Africa vs Australia, 2nd Test, Gqeberha, Day 4, October 21, 2026 Marco Jansen got Travis Head lbw using DRS, South Africa vs Australia, 2nd Test, Gqeberha, Day 4, October 21, 2026 Marco Jansen wasn’t sure of reviewing but was chuffed when it got him Travis Head’s wicket, South Africa vs Australia, 2nd Test, Gqeberha, Day 4, October 21, 2026 nicked and gone! Easy game, ain’t it?! First ball in the innings for Jansen, and he lands it on a hard length on off.

Wobble seam, and the ball nips away just a smidgen. Boland wafts at it and gets a healthy edge that Rickelton gobbles up. Jansen on the board early on day four, and Australia’s night-watcher departs!

lbw shout, not given. On a length in the channel, and this decks back in. Head props forward and seems to keep it out via a combination of bat and pad.

SA deliberate and review. They think it is pad-first. Could be close if that was the case.

No bat involved, but this might be a touch high. Oh, what do we know. Ball Tracking returns three reds, with the ball crashing into the top of middle.

Jansen has two, and Australia reeling now! and Jansen is chuffed. Lets Renshaw know too .

Renshaw turns back, camera pans away, Renshaw walks back dispointed. 139ks back of lengther around off. It was angling in and reared a touch.

Could Renshaw have left it on length? Hard to pin that against him because of the angle. Anyway, Renshaw tried to defend it with a vertical bat in front of his chest, bat-face opened and the ball went to third slip Tall runs and now Tall wickets!

Jansen has Australia falling off a height. Gentle punches of the air before a le as the cordon run in to celebrate. Back of length outside off, this was definitely there to leave.

Carey wanted to run it to third, went for the late dab but had to check his shot because of the extra bounce. Feeling-for-it shot. Thin edge, high on the bat too.

Ricks couldn’t have smiled any wider upon taking it gone this time, and Jansen has five! Back of a length in the fifth stump channel. Webster sees the width and decides to have a pop.

Does not get over the bounce, though, and the ball might have angled in slightly to rid him of the requisite room. A thick outside edge on the jab and Markram moves smartly to his left at second slip to snaffle it up. Australia sink deeper into trouble!

Anrich Nortje seamed the ball off a full length to have Marnus Labuschagne caught in the slips, South Africa vs Australia, 2nd Test, Gqeberha, Day 4, October 21, 2026 Anrich Nortje walked off in his fourth over, South Africa vs Australia, 2nd Test, Gqeberha, Day 4, October 21, 2026 what a screamer, and Labuschagne’s lean run continues! Full outside off, and this entices Labuschagne into a drive. The ball straightens just a smidgen and takes the outside edge.

Harmer, stood at gully, flings out his left mitt and makes it stick. World-class catch to hand a world-class bowling attack another wicket, and Australia well under the cosh! Steven Smith was knocked over with Ryan Rickelton standing up to the stumps, South Africa vs Australia, 2nd Test, Gqeberha, Day 4, October 21, 2026 hot knife through butter, and Smith falls!

Back of a length outside off. Jags back in sharply and Smith gets cut in half. Does not move his feet enough, and does not get behind the line either.

A small g between bat and pad, and the ball bursts through to knock back off stump. Smith seemed to be struggling throughout and now, he has to trudge off. Australia in a whole he of trouble!

skewed up, and Australia have been rolled over for 99! Follow-on enforced too! Slanted in on a length on middle and leg.

Cummins looks to whip it away but gets under it way too much. Only gets height on it, and deep square leg is placed exactly for that type of miscue. Easy catch in the deep, and Australia concede a mammoth first-innings lead!

Maddinson has a four-ball duck that’s felt much longer than it was. The struggle ends with a catch third slip. His front foot didn’t go across much, the fullish length ball was angling away and he tried to drive through cover.

All-hands stuff and the ball took a thin edge. Rabada strikes first over on Test return. He punches the air across his chest Kagiso Rabada struck in his first over, South Africa vs Australia, 2nd Test, Gqeberha, Day 3, October 20, 2026 nicked and gone!

Easy game, ain’t it?! First ball in the innings for Jansen, and he lands it on a hard length on off. Wobble seam, and the ball nips away just a smidgen.

Boland wafts at it and gets a healthy edge that Rickelton gobbles up. Jansen on the board early on day four, and Australia’s night-watcher departs! Marco Jansen made short work of Scott Boland, South Africa vs Australia, 2nd Test, Gqeberha, Day 4, October 21, 2026 lbw shout, not given.

On a length in the channel, and this decks back in. Head props forward and seems to keep it out via a combination of bat and pad. SA deliberate and review.

They think it is pad-first. Could be close if that was the case. No bat involved, but this might be a touch high.

Oh, what do we know. Ball Tracking returns three reds, with the ball crashing into the top of middle. Jansen has two, and Australia reeling now!

Marco Jansen got Travis Head lbw using DRS, South Africa vs Australia, 2nd Test, Gqeberha, Day 4, October 21, 2026 Marco Jansen wasn’t sure of reviewing but was chuffed when it got him Travis Head’s wicket, South Africa vs Australia, 2nd Test, Gqeberha, Day 4, October 21, 2026 what a screamer, and Labuschagne’s lean run continues! Full outside off, and this entices Labuschagne into a drive. The ball straightens just a smidgen and takes the outside edge.

Harmer, stood at gully, flings out his left mitt and makes it stick. World-class catch to hand a world-class bowling attack another wicket, and Australia well under the cosh! Anrich Nortje seamed the ball off a full length to have Marnus Labuschagne caught in the slips, South Africa vs Australia, 2nd Test, Gqeberha, Day 4, October 21, 2026 Taken…

and Jansen is chuffed. Lets Renshaw know too . Renshaw turns back, camera pans away, Renshaw walks back dispointed.

139ks back of lengther around off. It was angling in and reared a touch. Could Renshaw have left it on length?

Hard to pin that against him because of the angle. Anyway, Renshaw tried to defend it with a vertical bat in front of his chest, bat-face opened and the ball went to third slip Anrich Nortje walked off in his fourth over, South Africa vs Australia, 2nd Test, Gqeberha, Day 4, October 21, 2026 Tall runs and now Tall wickets! Jansen has Australia falling off a height.

Gentle punches of the air before a le as the cordon run in to celebrate. Back of length outside off, this was definitely there to leave. Carey wanted to run it to third, went for the late dab but had to check his shot because of the extra bounce.

Feeling-for-it shot. Thin edge, high on the bat too. Ricks couldn’t have smiled any wider upon taking it gone this time, and Jansen has five!

Back of a length in the fifth stump channel. Webster sees the width and decides to have a pop. Does not get over the bounce, though, and the ball might have angled in slightly to rid him of the requisite room.

A thick outside edge on the jab and Markram moves smartly to his left at second slip to snaffle it up. Australia sink deeper into trouble! hot knife through butter, and Smith falls!

Back of a length outside off. Jags back in sharply and Smith gets cut in half. Does not move his feet enough, and does not get behind the line either.

A small g between bat and pad, and the ball bursts through to knock back off stump. Smith seemed to be struggling throughout and now, he has to trudge off. Australia in a whole he of trouble!

Steven Smith was knocked over with Ryan Rickelton standing up to the stumps, South Africa vs Australia, 2nd Test, Gqeberha, Day 4, October 21, 2026 Rabada nicks off Starc, and Australia are nine down! Back of a length in the channel, and this straightens ever so slightly. Starc, because of the angle from around the wicket, feels the need to play at it.

All he manages is a tickle through to Rickelton, and Australia in danger of getting bowled out for a sub-100 total! skewed up, and Australia have been rolled over for 99! Follow-on enforced too!

Slanted in on a length on middle and leg. Cummins looks to whip it away but gets under it way too much. Only gets height on it, and deep square leg is placed exactly for that type of miscue.

Easy catch in the deep, and Australia concede a mammoth first-innings lead! Rabada has the last laugh, and Maddinson’s lean return to international cricket continues! Back of a length in that probing corridor in and around off.

Maddinson does not know whether to play at it or to leave it. Hangs out his bat tamely and the ball kisses the outside edge before lodging in Rickelton’s gloves. Rabada gets rid of Maddinson again, and Australia under strife early!

Nic Maddinson’s scores on Test return have been 0, 48, 0 and 8, South Africa vs Australia, 2nd Test, Gqeberha, Day 4, October 21, 2026 Chop-on and Mulder’s the one flying now ! That’s come out of nowhere, five overs before the new ball is due. Was a back-of-length ball from around the wicket.

Head was in the crease with the keeper up. Not sure what shot he was trying to play. Shed for something off side before being forced to adjust.

The bat was vertical, jamming down last second, somewhere between a forward punch and a flick. He played it onto the pitch and it bounced to the stumps. Massive moment Travis Head chopped on for 121, South Africa vs Australia, 2nd Test, Gqeberha, 5th day, October 22, 2026 Travis Head did a low-key celebration after bringing up his century, South Africa vs Australia, 2nd Test, Gqeberha, 5th day, October 22, 2026 a rush of blood, and Labuschagne falls in the 30s!

Labuschagne looks up to the heavens, perhs questioning how and why he played that shot. Fullish just outside off, and Labuschagne is tempted into charging. He looks to go over the long on fence but the ball clinks off the lower part, not to mention that Labuschagne was hitting into a very strong breeze.

Jansen runs back from a deepish mid on position and takes it smartly over his right shoulder. Labuschagne withers away another start, and SA have the breakthrough they were looking for! Left onto off stump!

Renshaw leaves it on line. The wobble ball around 132ks was delivered from around the wicket and landed on a length outside off, it seamed back in and kept a touch low as Renshaw shouldered arms. He tried to move his back leg across to off stump as a second line of defence but, by then, the ball had hit the outside-half of off pole.

Rabada smiiles and pumps his fists. What a day South Africa are having! Harmer’s veins are popping and that can mean only one thing!

SA strike again Smith padding up? Harmer with a pearler from around the wicket, 87ks length ball landed around off and straightened. Webster was pinned to the crease.

Tried to defend straight, ball skidded and hit him on the back leg, just below the knee-roll. No review, right call. Hitting middle and off.

No Smith, it’s Boland who’s walked out It’s a miracle! Mulder does to Boland what he did to Smith in the first dig. Angles it away outside off, lands it on a length and decks it back in.

That’s the magic. With the keeper up, Boland takes a forward stride with foot pointing towards cover and looks to defend with the bat facing mid-off. There’s a g between bat and pad, and the ball breached it in some style to rattle stump.

Boland – who’s generally doing this exact thing to batters – walks back, having played out 27.4 overs! Rabada gets the BIG wicket of Smith, and the new ball has worked its magic! Not in the conventional new-ball fashion, but Rabada will take that any day of the week.

He bangs it in short on off, Smith goes for the pull but gets a massive top-edge that balloons straight up. Breetzke runs back from midwicket, with the stiff breeze making life difficult. He goes reverse-cupped, the ball pops out, but he keeps his composure and grabs it at the second attempt.

Steven Smith was out pulling Kagiso Rabada, South Africa vs Australia, 2nd Test, Gqeberha, 5th day, October 22, 2026 Matthew Breetzke’s juggling catch to dismiss Steven Smith served up this dramatic moment, South Africa vs Australia, 2nd Test, Gqeberha, 5th day, October 22, 2026 Ryan Rickelton shelled a near-impossible chance off Steven Smith in the 77th over, South Africa vs Australia, 2nd Test, Gqeberha, 5th day, October 22, 2026 If Boland can become Bradman, then Mulder can turn into Boland! Gives Cummins a taste of his medicine by hitting top of off. Keeper up plays a part again as Cummins looked to keep the back foot in the crease while trying to defend that straight.

Ball was on a length, maybe a touch back, and coming in towards middle and off, he covered the line and the ball duly nipped away. The word ‘joy’ in the dictionary needs to be updated with the picture of Mulder smiling while getting his hair ruffled during celebrations It’s a tail-ender but shot selection is back in focus. Rabada, to his credit, strikes in his first over back.

Starc stood dead still and looked to tee-off a drive down the ground. He went after the full length, but the ball landed around off and seamed in to beat the inside edge. Hits the outer-half of leg pole.

SA one away That’s that! How fitting is it that Jansen has the final say, sealing a famous South Africa victory in Gqeberha! He shifted the momentum in South Africa’s favour with a five-wicket haul in the first innings, and despite Australia’s resistance, the quicks held their nerve to get the job done.

With nearly two days lost to rain, South Africa have pulled off a stunning win in the final session of day five. It was a rising good-length delivery outside off stump, and Hazlewood goes for a drive, only to get a thick outside edge. Markram, stationed at second slip, makes no mistake, going reverse-cupped and pouching a safe catch.

South Africa celebrate and level the series 1-1. Nic Maddinson’s scores on Test return have been 0, 48, 0 and 8, South Africa vs Australia, 2nd Test, Gqeberha, Day 4, October 21, 2026 Steven Smith was out pulling Kagiso Rabada, South Africa vs Australia, 2nd Test, Gqeberha, 5th day, October 22, 2026 Matthew Breetzke’s juggling catch to dismiss Steven Smith served up this dramatic moment, South Africa vs Australia, 2nd Test, Gqeberha, 5th day, October 22, 2026 Rabada has the last laugh, and Maddinson’s lean return to international cricket continues! Back of a length in that probing corridor in and around off.

Maddinson does not know whether to play at it or to leave it. Hangs out his bat tamely and the ball kisses the outside edge before lodging in Rickelton’s gloves. Rabada gets rid of Maddinson again, and Australia under strife early!

Left onto off stump! Renshaw leaves it on line. The wobble ball around 132ks was delivered from around the wicket and landed on a length outside off, it seamed back in and kept a touch low as Renshaw shouldered arms.

He tried to move his back leg across to off stump as a second line of defence but, by then, the ball had hit the outside-half of off pole. Rabada smiiles and pumps his fists. What a day South Africa are having!

Rabada gets the BIG wicket of Smith, and the new ball has worked its magic! Not in the conventional new-ball fashion, but Rabada will take that any day of the week. He bangs it in short on off, Smith goes for the pull but gets a massive top-edge that balloons straight up.

Breetzke runs back from midwicket, with the stiff breeze making life difficult. He goes reverse-cupped, the ball pops out, but he keeps his composure and grabs it at the second attempt. It’s a tail-ender but shot selection is back in focus.

Rabada, to his credit, strikes in his first over back. Starc stood dead still and looked to tee-off a drive down the ground. He went after the full length, but the ball landed around off and seamed in to beat the inside edge.

Hits the outer-half of leg pole. SA one away Travis Head did a low-key celebration after bringing up his century, South Africa vs Australia, 2nd Test, Gqeberha, 5th day, October 22, 2026 That’s that! How fitting is it that Jansen has the final say, sealing a famous South Africa victory in Gqeberha!

He shifted the momentum in South Africa’s favour with a five-wicket haul in the first innings, and despite Australia’s resistance, the quicks held their nerve to get the job done. With nearly two days lost to rain, South Africa have pulled off a stunning win in the final session of day five. It was a rising good-length delivery outside off stump, and Hazlewood goes for a drive, only to get a thick outside edge.

Markram, stationed at second slip, makes no mistake, going reverse-cupped and pouching a safe catch. South Africa celebrate and level the series 1-1. Travis Head chopped on for 121, South Africa vs Australia, 2nd Test, Gqeberha, 5th day, October 22, 2026 Ryan Rickelton shelled a near-impossible chance off Steven Smith in the 77th over, South Africa vs Australia, 2nd Test, Gqeberha, 5th day, October 22, 2026 Chop-on and Mulder’s the one flying now !

That’s come out of nowhere, five overs before the new ball is due. Was a back-of-length ball from around the wicket. Head was in the crease with the keeper up.

Not sure what shot he was trying to play. Shed for something off side before being forced to adjust. The bat was vertical, jamming down last second, somewhere between a forward punch and a flick.

He played it onto the pitch and it bounced to the stumps. Massive moment It’s a miracle! Mulder does to Boland what he did to Smith in the first dig.

Angles it away outside off, lands it on a length and decks it back in. That’s the magic. With the keeper up, Boland takes a forward stride with foot pointing towards cover and looks to defend with the bat facing mid-off.

There’s a g between bat and pad, and the ball breached it in some style to rattle stump. Boland – who’s generally doing this exact thing to batters – walks back, having played out 27.4 overs! If Boland can become Bradman, then Mulder can turn into Boland!

Gives Cummins a taste of his medicine by hitting top of off. Keeper up plays a part again as Cummins looked to keep the back foot in the crease while trying to defend that straight. Ball was on a length, maybe a touch back, and coming in towards middle and off, he covered the line and the ball duly nipped away.

The word ‘joy’ in the dictionary needs to be updated with the picture of Mulder smiling while getting his hair ruffled during celebrations a rush of blood, and Labuschagne falls in the 30s! Labuschagne looks up to the heavens, perhs questioning how and why he played that shot. Fullish just outside off, and Labuschagne is tempted into charging.

He looks to go over the long on fence but the ball clinks off the lower part, not to mention that Labuschagne was hitting into a very strong breeze. Jansen runs back from a deepish mid on position and takes it smartly over his right shoulder. Labuschagne withers away another start, and SA have the breakthrough they were looking for!

Harmer’s veins are popping and that can mean only one thing! SA strike again Smith padding up? Harmer with a pearler from around the wicket, 87ks length ball landed around off and straightened.

Webster was pinned to the crease. Tried to defend straight, ball skidded and hit him on the back leg, just below the knee-roll. No review, right call.

Hitting middle and off. No Smith, it’s Boland who’s walked out Rabada has the last laugh, and Maddinson’s lean return to international cricket continues! Back of a length in that probing corridor in and around off.

Maddinson does not know whether to play at it or to leave it. Hangs out his bat tamely and the ball kisses the outside edge before lodging in Rickelton’s gloves. Rabada gets rid of Maddinson again, and Australia under strife early!

Nic Maddinson’s scores on Test return have been 0, 48, 0 and 8, South Africa vs Australia, 2nd Test, Gqeberha, Day 4, October 21, 2026 a rush of blood, and Labuschagne falls in the 30s! Labuschagne looks up to the heavens, perhs questioning how and why he played that shot. Fullish just outside off, and Labuschagne is tempted into charging.

He looks to go over the long on fence but the ball clinks off the lower part, not to mention that Labuschagne was hitting into a very strong breeze. Jansen runs back from a deepish mid on position and takes it smartly over his right shoulder. Labuschagne withers away another start, and SA have the breakthrough they were looking for!

Left onto off stump! Renshaw leaves it on line. The wobble ball around 132ks was delivered from around the wicket and landed on a length outside off, it seamed back in and kept a touch low as Renshaw shouldered arms.

He tried to move his back leg across to off stump as a second line of defence but, by then, the ball had hit the outside-half of off pole. Rabada smiiles and pumps his fists. What a day South Africa are having!

Harmer’s veins are popping and that can mean only one thing! SA strike again Smith padding up? Harmer with a pearler from around the wicket, 87ks length ball landed around off and straightened.

Webster was pinned to the crease. Tried to defend straight, ball skidded and hit him on the back leg, just below the knee-roll. No review, right call.

Hitting middle and off. No Smith, it’s Boland who’s walked out Chop-on and Mulder’s the one flying now ! That’s come out of nowhere, five overs before the new ball is due.

Was a back-of-length ball from around the wicket. Head was in the crease with the keeper up. Not sure what shot he was trying to play.

Shed for something off side before being forced to adjust. The bat was vertical, jamming down last second, somewhere between a forward punch and a flick. He played it onto the pitch and it bounced to the stumps.

Massive moment Travis Head chopped on for 121, South Africa vs Australia, 2nd Test, Gqeberha, 5th day, October 22, 2026 Travis Head did a low-key celebration after bringing up his century, South Africa vs Australia, 2nd Test, Gqeberha, 5th day, October 22, 2026 Rabada gets the BIG wicket of Smith, and the new ball has worked its magic! Not in the conventional new-ball fashion, but Rabada will take that any day of the week. He bangs it in short on off, Smith goes for the pull but gets a massive top-edge that balloons straight up.

Breetzke runs back from midwicket, with the stiff breeze making life difficult. He goes reverse-cupped, the ball pops out, but he keeps his composure and grabs it at the second attempt. Steven Smith was out pulling Kagiso Rabada, South Africa vs Australia, 2nd Test, Gqeberha, 5th day, October 22, 2026 Matthew Breetzke’s juggling catch to dismiss Steven Smith served up this dramatic moment, South Africa vs Australia, 2nd Test, Gqeberha, 5th day, October 22, 2026 Ryan Rickelton shelled a near-impossible chance off Steven Smith in the 77th over, South Africa vs Australia, 2nd Test, Gqeberha, 5th day, October 22, 2026 It’s a miracle!

Mulder does to Boland what he did to Smith in the first dig. Angles it away outside off, lands it on a length and decks it back in. That’s the magic.

With the keeper up, Boland takes a forward stride with foot pointing towards cover and looks to defend with the bat facing mid-off. There’s a g between bat and pad, and the ball breached it in some style to rattle stump. Boland – who’s generally doing this exact thing to batters – walks back, having played out 27.4 overs!

If Boland can become Bradman, then Mulder can turn into Boland! Gives Cummins a taste of his medicine by hitting top of off. Keeper up plays a part again as Cummins looked to keep the back foot in the crease while trying to defend that straight.

Ball was on a length, maybe a touch back, and coming in towards middle and off, he covered the line and the ball duly nipped away. The word ‘joy’ in the dictionary needs to be updated with the picture of Mulder smiling while getting his hair ruffled during celebrations It’s a tail-ender but shot selection is back in focus. Rabada, to his credit, strikes in his first over back.

Starc stood dead still and looked to tee-off a drive down the ground. He went after the full length, but the ball landed around off and seamed in to beat the inside edge. Hits the outer-half of leg pole.

SA one away That’s that! How fitting is it that Jansen has the final say, sealing a famous South Africa victory in Gqeberha! He shifted the momentum in South Africa’s favour with a five-wicket haul in the first innings, and despite Australia’s resistance, the quicks held their nerve to get the job done.

With nearly two days lost to rain, South Africa have pulled off a stunning win in the final session of day five. It was a rising good-length delivery outside off stump, and Hazlewood goes for a drive, only to get a thick outside edge. Markram, stationed at second slip, makes no mistake, going reverse-cupped and pouching a safe catch.

South Africa celebrate and level the series 1-1. SA vs Aus 2nd Test 2026-27 – Pat Cummins – Australia can’t ‘per over cracks’ after innings thrashing Australia will need to seriously consider changes to their batting line-up for the deciding Test in Ce Town Steven Smith was out pulling Kagiso Rabada, South Africa vs Australia, 2nd Test, Gqeberha, 5th day, October 22, 2026 Rabada’s spirit, Jansen’s performance and Bavuma’s own runs offered a strong response from the WTC champions after going down in Durban last week Temba Bavuma kept it all in and then let it all out when he got to three-figures, South Africa vs Australia, 2nd Test, Gqeberha, 3rd day, October 20, 2026 SA vs Aus, 2nd Test – Through rain, nerves and late drama, South Africa flex their championship mettle The hosts rediscovered their champion spirit, turning adversity into opportunity and belief into a statement win that reshes the series Matthew Breetzke’s juggling catch to dismiss Steven Smith served up this dramatic moment, South Africa vs Australia, 2nd Test, Gqeberha, 5th day, October 22, 2026 Mulder played a key role on the final day, ending Head’s century and removing nightwatcher Boland after he had survived 166 balls Wiaan Mulder celebrates after getting rid of Travis Head, South Africa vs Australia, 2nd Test, Gqeberha, 5th day, October 22, 2026 Australia coach Andrew McDonald backed the longer term record of his side after they were bundled out for 99 Matt Renshaw was bowled leaving a delivery, South Africa vs Australia, 2nd Test, Gqeberha, Day 4, October 21, 2026 Firdose Moonda and Andre McGlashan on the big talking points after South Africa’s thumping win in the 2nd Test Point Deductions England were deducted 2 points for slow over-rate in the match against India on 10th July 2025 Pakistan were deducted 8 points for slow over-rate in the match against Bangladesh on 8th May 2026 England were deducted 12 points for slow over-rate in the match against New Zealand on 18th June 2026 West Indies were deducted 2 points for slow over-rate in the match against Sri Lanka on 07th July 2026 Pakistan were deducted 11 points for slow over-rate in the match against England on 12th September 2026 A view of Harrup Park, Australia A v India A, Quadrangular A-team one-day series, final, Mackay, September 4, 2016 The magnificent Melbourne Cricket Ground in full bloom, Victoria v Queensland, FR Cup, MCG, February 6, 2008 2 overs of play was possible on the opening day