Marco Jansen’s four wickets leave Australia reeling at 69/6.

Jansen Rips Through Australia

South Africa has clawed back control of the second Test in Gqeberha on day four, with Australia going to lunch at 69 for 6, 356 behind.

Marco Jansen was the man responsible for the majority of the damage, claiming four wickets for 16 runs. Australia need to add another 157 just to avoid the follow-on, and with South Africa chasing a series leveller, the tourists would be feeling the pressure.

Match Context

South Africa put together a big first innings of 425, and so the hosts needed a strong performance with the ball to square the series. Australia’s top order has been a recurring weakness, and it was exposed again, with Matt Renshaw, the most reliable batter in the opening Test, falling early.

The day started with a strong westerly wind, which can assist batters by drying the pitch.

South Africa’s pace attack ignored the script, with quick and accurate bowling along with a good bit of aggression from the first over.

How the Collapse Unfolded

• Kagiso Rabada led the way, aiming to go as fast as he could, reaching as high as 154.5 kph searching for the elusive inswinger. Jansen was providing the breakthroughs from the other end, with a hard length and plenty of seam movement.
• Scott Boland: Nightwatchman went after a Jansen delivery that nipped away and was caught by new wicketkeeper Ryan Rickelton.
• Travis Head: A brief stay ended as he was beaten by the pace of a Jansen delivery that jagged back. A leg-before appeal was quickly raised, but a review by Simon Harmer convinced captain Temba Bavuma to go back on the ball with ball-tracking technology showing it had struck the top of middle stump. Australia were 22 for 3 inside half an hour.
• Marnus Labuschagne: Anrich Nortje had him driving at a ball outside off in his first over of the morning, and Harmer took a superb one-handed diving catch to his left at gully.
• Matt Renshaw: Jansen got him steering to Harmer, who held a low catch at wide third slip.

• Alex Carey: He offered a thin edge to Rickelton moments later.

Key Stats at Lunch

Key Takeaways

• Seam and discipline dominated over good batting conditions as a helpful tailwind failed to hinder South Africa’s attack, pointing to the quality of their preparations.
• Jansen’s disciplined length saw the batters always on the back foot as the quick pace of Rabada kept the batters guessing while Jansen’s seam movement regularly induced edges and well-gathered dismissals.
• Fielding also played a huge role in the charge as Harmer’s two great catches and his insistence on the Head review being used proved pivotal.
• Australia’s top order is always their problem as they again struggled when they lost three wickets before the halfway hour mark, putting them on the back foot straight away.
• Nortje’s health is a big concern as he walked off injured and clearly in distress. It is understandable as it was his first outing in red ball cricket in quite some time, but still, South Africa’s resolve was tested when one of their main bowlers was out of action.

What’s Next

Steven Smith is unbeaten on 26 as Australia’s hopes rest on his shoulders, and the prospect of another Rabada charge down his throat as he faces down the same intensity he has seen before.

If Australia cannot post another 157 to avoid the follow-on, then the hosts could force the tourists into a second batting innings in an attempt to level the series, while they will also be looking to South Africa for any news regarding Nortje’s condition.

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