Cricket

Australia's Gqeberha disaster ends in Test defeat

By Scott Bailey

Oct 23, 2026

Australia's day-four nightmare has come back to haunt them in the second Test, after falling to an innings-and-31-run defeat to South Africa in the final session.

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After Travis Head's century and Scott Boland's defence initially repelled the Proteas, Australia lost their last wicket with 28.5 overs to play on the final day on Thursday.

It means the series will head to the third and final Test in Cape Town next Tuesday with the series level at 1-1.

Aided by rain that washed out the morning session, Australia did well to hold on for as long as they did on Thursday with Boland soaking up 166 balls as nightwatchman.

But after Head (117) and Steve Smith fell before tea, Boland was bowled shortly after the break to open the door for the Proteas.

And when Kagiso Rabada (4-77) bowled a hard-swinging Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood edged Marco Jansen to slip, the game was over.

Ultimately, Australia have been left to lick their wounds after letting South Africa recover from 6-110 to 9-425 declared in the first innings.

And when they were bowled out for 99 on day four and asked to follow on, the tourists always faced a difficult task to save the match.