Marco Jansen claimed a sensational five-wicket haul as South Africa skittled Australia for 99 to enforce the follow-on, but Travis Head led a spirited fightback on day four in Gqeberha.
Scott Boland struck four times as Australia decimated South Africa's top order following prolonged rain delays at St George’s Park, leaving the hosts on 97/5.
Persistent rain severely limited play on Day 1 of the second Test in Gqeberha, leaving South Africa struggling at 20/2 after Scott Boland removed Aiden Markram and David Bedingham in consecutive balls.
Temba Bavuma insists South Africa has the squad depth to counter Australia at St George’s Park and level the series, warning that their comeback cannot rely solely on Kagiso Rabada.
Josh Hazlewood believes pitch conditions at St George’s Park will dictate whether reverse swing again plays a decisive role in the second Test, while South Africa prepares to welcome back Kagiso Rabada.
Following a 214-run defeat in the opening Test, Proteas captain Temba Bavuma has urged South Africa’s batters to show better application and convert starts into commanding scores against Australia at St George's Park.
South Africa suffered an emphatic 214-run defeat against Australia in the first Test in Durban after being bowled out for 206, exposing glaring concerns in their batting lineup.
Keshav Maharaj has urged South Africa's batsmen to demonstrate greater discipline and eliminate soft dismissals on the final day against Australia at Kingsmead, where the Proteas are fighting to survive.
Australia declared at 314/6 after a rapid cameo from Pat Cummins, setting South Africa a daunting 421-run target on Day 4 of the first Test in Durban before Josh Hazlewood struck early blows.
South Africa batting coach Ashwell Prince urges the Proteas to focus on taking wickets and controlling the run rate to stop Australia from building an insurmountable lead in Durban.
Pat Cummins and Australia's pace attack bowled South Africa out for 284 on day three in Durban, taking a commanding 139-run lead by stumps despite stubborn Proteas lower-order resistance.
Wiaan Mulder praised Matt Renshaw's brilliant 190 after Australia fought back from 124/6 to post 390 on day two of the first Test in Durban.
Matt Renshaw's marathon 190 spearheaded Australia's fightback to reach 390 on Day 2 of the first Test in Durban before South Africa lost an early wicket in fading light.
South Africa's seam attack left Australia reeling at 124/6 before an unbeaten stand between Matt Renshaw and Pat Cummins guided the visitors to 187/6 ahead of an early stumps due to bad light in Durban.
Kagiso Rabada has been ruled out of the opening Test against Australia at Kingsmead, paving the way for fast bowler Anrich Nortje to provide the X-factor as South Africa begins its title defence.