South Africa Crush Australia By An Innings And 31 Runs To Level Test Series
South Africa Crush Australia By An Innings And 31 Runs To Level Test Series - Image Source: AFP
South Africa wrapped up a brilliant innings-and-31-run win over Australia in the second Test at St George's Park on Thursday, levelling the three-match series.
Despite another session being washed out on the fifth day of a rain-hit game, the Proteas took the remaining six second-innings wickets needed to complete victory.
South Africa, who suffered a heavy defeat in the opening game in Durban last week, recovered from 110-6 in the first innings to post 425-9 declared, thanks largely to captain Temba Bavuma's career-best 179.
Marco Jansen took five wickets as the Aussies were then skittled for 99 and forced to follow on for the first time since 2019.
Travis Head's 121 and a 166-ball 40 from nightwatchman Scott Boland held up the South African charge on the final day, as did persistent morning rain, but Wiaan Mulder removed both and the tourists were bowled out for 295.
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Jansen took the final wicket by dismissing Josh Hazlewood, as reigning world Test champions South Africa set up a series decider next week in Cape Town.