Jansen puts Proteas within striking distance

South Africa head into the final day of the second Test against Australia needing six wickets to complete a remarkable turnaround at St George’s Park and take the series to a deciding match at Newlands.

Australia closed the fourth day on 156/4 in their second innings, still 170 runs behind after being forced to follow on.

Travis Head, unbeaten on 87, stood between the Proteas and a potential innings victory, with nightwatchman Scott Boland alongside him.

Marco Jansen was central to South Africa’s commanding position. The left-arm fast bowler claimed 5/33 as Australia were dismissed for 99 in their first innings, conceding a deficit of 326.

The collapse followed South Africa’s declaration on 425/9, an imposing recovery built around captain Temba Bavuma’s marathon innings.

Australia’s difficulties deepened when Steve Smith, who made 28 in the first innings, was unable to bat in his usual position during the follow-on because of a neck problem. The Proteas also had an injury concern, with Anrich Nortje suffering a right groin injury.

Nevertheless, South Africa remained firmly placed to square the three-match contest after Australia won the opening Test in Durban by 214 runs.

A home victory would set up a compelling finale at Newlands in Cape Town, where the third Test is scheduled for 27–31 October.

Head’s resistance means the result remains to be secured, but the Proteas enter the final day with the opportunity to transform a difficult start to the series into a contest for the trophy.

Sources: Cricket Australia, fourth-day match report, 21 October 2026, and official series match centre; The Guardian, fourth-day coverage, 21 October 2026.