South Africa beat Australia by an innings and 31 runs in the second Test to level the series 1-1
South Africa beat Australia by an innings and 31 runs in the second Test at St George's Park, Gqeberha, on Thursday 22 October, ABC News reported, levelling the three-match series 1-1. Outlook India reported that Temba Bavuma made 179 as South Africa recovered from 6 for 110 to declare at 9 for 425 after a rain-affected start. Marco Jansen took 5 for 22 as Australia were dismissed for 99 and forced to follow on. Cricket World and Outlook India reported Australia made 295 in their second innings, and Travis Head was 111 not out with Australia 4 for 192 when Scott Boland joined him. Jansen dismissed Josh Hazlewood for a duck to end the match, Outlook India reported. News.com.au called Australia's day-four collapse gutless.
An innings defeat means Australia's first-innings 99 cost them the match, because South Africa never had to bat again. A 1-1 series with a Test to play raises the stakes for selection and for the batting order in the decider.
If you follow the series on Australian time, expect early-morning starts for the remaining Test, and remember that rain can reduce play. Fans with tickets or tipping competitions should note the series is now level.
South Africa's supporters and the Outlook India report credit Bavuma's 179 and Jansen's bowling for turning a precarious 6 for 110 into a series-levelling win. The result is presented as a comeback.
Australian commentary in News.com.au and the Sydney Morning Herald is critical of the batting, calling the day-four collapse gutless and asking whether selectors should pick another New South Wales batter after Sam Konstas's century. Head's unbeaten effort is treated as the lone bright spot.
Confirmed: South Africa won by an innings and 31 runs and the series is 1-1. Not confirmed: Australia's team changes for the decider, or the exact final-day wickets, which outlets report slightly differently. Watch for the squad announcement and the weather forecast.
DailyDrop Australia edition No. 19 · Morning · FRI., OCT. 23, 2026