Proteas beat Australia by an innings to level Test series
South Africa's bowlers secured an innings and 31-run victory over Australia in Gqeberha on Thursday, levelling the three-match series at 1-1.
South Africa defeated Australia by an innings and 31 runs on Thursday to level the Test series at 1-1. The Proteas secured the victory on the fifth day at St George’s Park in Gqeberha after bowling Australia out for 295 in their second innings. Fast bowler Kagiso Rabada took 4 wickets for 77 runs, and all-rounder Wiaan Mulder took 3 wickets for 64 runs to lead the Proteas attack.
Australia resumed their second innings on 156/4, needing 170 runs to make the Proteas bat again. Travis Head scored 121 runs off 190 balls before being dismissed by Mulder. Nightwatchman Scott Boland added 40 runs off 166 balls, but the rest of Australia's tail collapsed. Proteas captain Temba Bavuma said his team made Australia work hard for the six wickets taken on the final day.
The series is now tied at 1-1 heading into the deciding Test match, which starts in Cape Town on Tuesday. Australia captain Pat Cummins admitted the team needs to improve significantly after the heavy loss, with questions arising over the form of several players. Travis Head's 121 and Boland's 40 were the only significant contributions in Australia's second innings.
Why it mattersSouth African cricket fans will be able to watch the deciding Test match in Cape Town.