South Africa Bowls Australia Out for 99 in Gqeberha Test

South Africa forced Australia to follow on in the second Test at Gqeberha on Wednesday after bowling the tourists out for 99. The collapse, which occurred in just 42.4 overs, leaves Australia trailing by 326 runs as the hosts look to level the series after a heavy opening loss.

Australia’s 99-Run Collapse in Gqeberha

Australia’s first-innings total of 99 marks their fourth-lowest all-out score against South Africa. The tourists were undone by a ferocious bowling display from the Proteas, led by left-armer Marco Jansen, who claimed superb figures of 5-33. Supporting contributions came from Kagiso Rabada, who took 2-33, and all-rounder Wiaan Mulder, who finished with 2-14.

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Jansen had already made a sizeable contribution with the bat earlier in the match, scoring 85 runs off 100 balls. On the fourth day at St George’s Park on Wednesday, tall left-armer Jansen struck with his very first ball of the innings when he had nightwatchman Scott Boland caught behind in the second over of the day. Jansen subsequently followed up by removing Travis Head, Matt Renshaw, wicketkeeper Alex Carey, and Beau Webster as Australia’s lineup crumbled.

Follow-On Decision and Series Stakes

Following a first-innings total of 425-9 declared—built after South Africa had recovered from 110-6 thanks to skipper Temba Bavuma’s momentous 179 off 334 balls—the hosts opted to enforce the follow-on despite losing fast bowler Anrich Nortje to a suspected groin injury. South Africa is looking to level the series after suffering a heavy defeat in the opening Test in Durban. Nortje was confirmed as unavailable for the remainder of the first innings and, having bowled again on the same day, was described as unlikely to take any further part in the match. The decision to enforce the follow-on reflects South Africa’s dominance on the fourth day, as the team seeks to capitalize on a 326-run lead.

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This match marks only the third time Australia has been forced to follow on in the last 38 years. The previous instances occurred during the 2019 Test against India in Sydney and the 2005 Ashes Test at Trent Bridge. The 326-run deficit represents the largest first-innings margin conceded by Australia since a Test match against the West Indies in November 1984.

David Warner’s Criticism of Test Match Attendance

Former Australia batter David Warner took to social media on Tuesday to label the current attendances in South Africa as pathetic. Referencing the empty stands at Kingsmead during the first Test and the continuation of low crowds in Gqeberha, Warner questioned the health of the format.

Wiaan Mulder celebrates the wicket of Steve Smith — Photo: BBC

We keep hearing how important Test cricket is, but where are the fans in South Africa? Empty stands, no atmosphere, and we’re supposed to believe the format is thriving? You can’t keep calling Test cricket the pinnacle of the game if no one turns up to watch it. Harsh reality, but someone has to say it. Pathetic.

David Warner, former Australia batter, via Sky Sports

Warner was part of the infamous ‘sandpapergate’ scandal that dominated Australia’s last tour of South Africa in 2018 alongside Steve Smith and Cameron Bancroft. At that time, the then vice-captain received a one-year ban and was informed he would never again be considered for a leadership position within the national team.

Match Context and Historical Benchmarks

The current collapse is the first time Australia has been dismissed for under 100 in 69 innings, dating back to their 91-run total against India in Nagpur in 2023. During the first innings, Steve Smith achieved a personal milestone by becoming the 12th batter to reach 11,000 Test runs, joining Ricky Ponting and Allan Border as the only Australians to reach that mark.

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As the match heads into the final stages, Australia faces an uphill battle to save the Test. South Africa remains in a commanding position, aiming to force a series-leveling victory while managing the potential absence of Nortje for the remainder of the game.