Marco Jansen Stars as South Africa Force Australia Follow-On in Second Test

South Africa forced Australia to follow on with a dominant bowling display, dismissing the tourists for just 99 runs during the second Test at St George’s Park in Gqeberha, Sky Sports reported. Marco Jansen claimed career-best figures of 5-33 in just 42.4 overs, leaving Australia facing a 326-run deficit after the Proteas declared their first innings at 425.

The collapse leaves Australia scrambling to save the match at 156-4 in their second innings, still trailing by 170 runs heading into the final day. Travis Head anchored the resistance with 87 not out off 138 deliveries alongside nightwatchman Scott Boland on two, while South Africa seeks a series-levelling victory after dropping the opening Test in Durban.

Jansen and Rabada dismantle the Australian batting order

Australia’s first innings unraveled swiftly as Jansen capitalized on the new ball, supported by returning fast bowler Kagiso Rabada and all-rounder Wiaan Mulder. Rabada claimed 2-33 and Mulder took 2-14 to shred the tourist lineup, where Steve Smith top-scored with a meager 28 while battling a neck injury that ultimately prevented him from batting in the second innings.

When captain Temba Bavuma enforced the follow-on, Rabada struck immediately in the second innings by removing Nic Maddinson for a four-ball duck.

Labuschagne dismissal sparks intense scrutiny

Marnus Labuschagne fell for 14 in the first innings after edging Anrich Nortje to slip, and contributed 39 in the second before slogging spinner Simon Harmer to deep mid-on where Jansen took a catch. Former Australia batsman Greg Katich questioned the shot selection on BBC Sport, noting that Labuschagne tried to hit against the breeze while the team was trying to play for a draw.

The dismissal marks 47 innings since the 32-year-old batsman last scored a Test century, mounting pressure ahead of the third Test in Cape Town. SuperSport coverage highlighted that Nortje also walked off the field with a groin strain during the morning session after bowling just 3.3 overs.

Warner condemns low crowds in Gqeberha

Off the pitch, former Australia batsman David Warner posted sharp criticism on social media regarding spectator turnout at the series venues in South Africa. Warner described attendances as pathetic, pointing to empty stands and a lack of atmosphere during rain-affected days at Gqeberha and Kingsmead.

The remarks drew renewed attention to the strained history between Australian players and South African crowds following the 2018 tour. Play resumes on October 22, 2026, with Head and Boland returning to the crease as South Africa hunts the remaining six wickets required to level the three-match series.

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