Travis Head is waging a lonely battle but South Africa are sensing victory in the Gqeberha Test

Travis Head waged a lone battle for Australia but South Africa remained firmly in control of the second Test at St George’s Park in Gqeberha on Wednesday 21 October. After bowling out Australia for just 99 in their first innings, the hosts pushed through the follow-on and reduced the visitors to 156 for four at stumps on Day 4, leaving them 170 behind.

Head was unbeaten on 87 off 138 balls and smashed nine boundaries as he led Australia’s fight for survival. Nightwatchman Scott Boland batted for two in the final over, with the visitors facing an uphill task to save the Test on the final day.

South Africa vs Australia 2nd Test Day 4: Update | Scorecard

South Africa’s lead came after a dominant first innings performance with captain Temba Bavuma scoring 179, Marco Jansen contributing 85 and Simon Harmer 82. The hosts declared at 425 for nine, building a sizeable lead of 326 runs before their bowlers dismantled the Australian batting line-up.

JANSEN LEADS AUSTRALIA

South Africa’s pace attack tore through Australia’s batting on the fourth morning Jansen produces a devastating spell to finish with five wickets for 33 runs in 11 overs.

The left-armer struck quickly with his first delivery and was caught by nightwatchman Scott Boland for two. He then trapped Head lbw for 14 before removing Matt Renshaw for 12 and Alex Carey for a duck, leaving Australia reeling.

Kagiso Rabada also brought serious pace to the attack, clocking 154.5 kmph during his spell against Head in Australia’s first innings. The quick troubled the left-hander with deliveries that rushed him and hit him on the thigh, adding to the pressure before Jansen eventually dismissed him.

Anrich Nortje removed Marnus Labuschagne for 14, with Harmer making a spectacular dive to take a one-handed catch in the slips. However, Nortje was forced off the field after suffering a groin injury, having bowled only 3.3 overs.

Wiaan Mulder and Rabada claimed two wickets apiece as Australia were dismissed for 99 in 42.3 overs. Steve Smith top-scored with 28 to reach the milestone of 11,000 Test runs, but the visitors conceded a massive first-innings deficit.

HEAD KEEPING AUSTRALIA ALIVE

Australia’s second innings got off to a poor start when Rabada dismissed opener Nic Maddinson for eight, caught by Ryan Rickelton. However, Head responded with a determined innings and showed more composure and control after his dismissal in the first innings.

The left-hander found the boundary regularly as he struggled to keep South Africa at bay. Labuschagne provided a patient support of 39 off 98 balls before Harmer broke the partnership and was caught by Jansen.

Harmer struck again, dismissing Beau Webster lbw for eight, while Rabada removed Renshaw for 11. Despite these setbacks, Head continued to fight back to reach an unbeaten 87 at stumps.

South Africa’s task is complicated by Nortje’s injury, which left the Proteas one bowler short for the remainder of the match. With the fast bowler unavailable, the hosts will need their remaining attack led by Jansen, Rabada and Harmer to get the job done.

Australia will continue on the final day with Head and Boland at the crease, hoping to prevent the Proteas from making an early run. The visitors need a huge effort to save the Test, while South Africa are six wickets from victory as they look to level the series after losing the opening Test in Durban.

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