Bavuma and bowlers revive Proteas’ series hopes

South Africa turned a precarious start into an emphatic victory over Australia at St George’s Park on Thursday, winning the second Test by an innings and 31 runs to set up a series decider in Cape Town.

Captain Temba Bavuma’s 179 provided the foundation before Marco Jansen and the Proteas attack converted their advantage into victory despite rain interruptions.

South Africa declared on 425/9, then dismissed Australia for 99. Jansen claimed 5/33 as the visitors conceded a first-innings deficit of 326 and were asked to follow on.

Reuters reported that Jansen’s contribution extended beyond his bowling: his 85 helped rebuild South Africa’s innings after the hosts had slumped to 110/6.

Australia offered stronger resistance in their second innings, with Travis Head scoring 121 and nightwatchman Scott Boland making 40. However, Wiaan Mulder removed both before the Proteas completed the dismissal for 295.

The result brings the three-match series level at 1–1 following Australia’s victory in Durban.

Bavuma’s side now heads to Newlands for the deciding Test, scheduled for 27–31 October, with renewed confidence after rescuing a match that had initially threatened to deepen their series deficit.

Sources: Cricket Australia, second-Test coverage and third-Test fixture, 22 October; Reuters, 21 October; The Guardian, final-day report, 22 October.