How three days can turn a series on its head? Even after the first day, Australia were still in a reasonable position to battle out this Test, but a commanding performance from South Africa with bat and ball sees them well in control.
South Africa hold an overnight lead of 369 runs, with six batsman still in the dugout waiting for their turn on this St George’s Oval pitch, which is just showing signs of misbehaving.
The Proteas will also be pleased that their most consistent batsman of the past five years (aside from Jacques Kallis), Hashim Amla, has runs on the board. Amla scratched around early in his innings, as he often does, but once his trigger movement had those feet moving more positively, he really developed into his innings.
At 4/192, and with Amla striking at a high rate for a usually reserved player, they will look to build on an imperious lead and bat the suddenly under pressure Aussies out of the game.
One South African player who will not be happy is the skipper, Graeme Smith. No doubt he will be pleased with the work of the batsmen around him, and very happy with Amla’s return to the runs. But surrendering his wicket to Mitchell Johnson again will no doubt have the tough skipper furious and hungry for runs in the third Test.
The Australian batting, for once, was not rescued by the lower middle order yesterday, with Steve Smith (49), as well as cameos Mitchell Johnson (27) and Ryan Harris (26), the extent of the resistance.
The men from down under now find themselves in a very uncomfortable position, with rain or very stubborn batting their only hope of salvaging pride from this game.
But as the pitch gets lower and less consistent, you would think South Africa have this one sewn up.
Join us for live scores from 7:30pm AEDT, and enjoy the discussion below.
Christian D'Aloia
Roar Guru
Is it possible that Australia just didn't turn up this Test? I'd like to think that's what happened and we can bounce back and repeat the first Test.
Jack
Guest
Chris Rogers age is testament that Australian sportspeople can extend their careers longer than most countries in the world due to the wonderful environment and quality of fresh produce we consume. For example, the quality of our beef doesn't require it to be turned into jerky to make it edible, no offence.
Jack
Guest
Finally, after 22 years, the SAFS have an opportunity to win a series against the Aussies at home. Will the toss of the coin make it 23?
AlanKC
Guest
Yep, should be a great game!
Worlds Biggest
Guest
Went to bed at 0-100 and thought we might be a chance to save the game. Woke up and said to myself, reckon we are 5 down. When I saw the headline, Steyn destroys Australia I wasn't that surprised. Well played Proteas, far too good. Aussies probably went in a little over confident in this one. SA bounced back like we thought they would. They will be red hot favourites now for Newlands. If Steyn can reak havoc on that wicket what will he do at Newlands.
Broken-hearted Toy
Guest
Marsh really fell over though with that ball. That's how they try to get him, he's a bit mince of his pads, probably scores as many in legbyes as he does runs.
Avon River
Guest
Normal has returned. S.Marsh is mentally fragile. Haddin is not the worlds best keeper/batter. The best test batter is on the verge of getting a seniors card. The batting is poor enough that the allure of Watto again hovers above like a rain laden cloud. Harris looks shot and Johnson finally got blunted. It appears fair to write off the first test now as the Saffers really were just underdone. They're tuned up now and looking like the #1 team.
Blaze
Guest
Wow.... That really is pathetic. Never thought we could win, but I had faith we could see out the day atleast.... When does the footy start? Lol
Simoc
Guest
What an impressive collapse that was. Even better than the NSW effort.
Armchair expert
Guest
I'd rate Gillespie above Lee and Ahktar.
Armchair expert
Guest
Marsh has gone back to his pre 1st test batting.
Armchair expert
Guest
The selectors made a rod for their own backs and painted themselves into a corner when they dropped Katich, apparently because of his age, it excluded them from selecting Rogers and a couple of others also, as Ponting said, it was of the dumbest thing you could see.
Sheldon
Guest
Wow test cricket is just the best. Even on a flat deck
pona
Guest
I can tell the Aussies are now feeling the pressure , let's see the changes they make in Cape Town will work .S.A keep up doing the good work
Fiko
Guest
Whoever says test cricket is boring, clearly don't know what they talking about. That's why its called Test cricket, it Tests your character, it Tests your mental toughness, it Tests your resolve, it Tests your skill, and it Tests your technique! Dale Steyn has been nothing short of extraordinary in this test, and has once again proved why he's the best bowler in the world. That's arguably the best reverse-swing bowling I've ever seen. Credit also has to go to Morkel and Philander, they were also outstanding, particularly Morkel in the Aussies 1st Innings. He bowled with the most intensity I've ever seen him bowl at. Also gave Mitch a taste of his own medicine haha. But this test match also showed why South Africa are the best team in the world. I mean to bounce back in this fashion, after such a crushing defeat in the 1st test, just shows how much character they have. Hats off to them. What an amazing team!
nanda
Guest
Great knock by Rodgers. If he is fit he should play for at least another 2 years. Some where one feels the Aussie bowlers were covering for the weekness in the batting. One bad test for the bowlers and the team is exposed. Long way to go to reach no 2 let alone no 1.
David
Guest
Perfect 1-1 You hammered us. We hammered you. Its all on Newlands.... and I will be there.. for all 5 days Newlands is a wonderful ground to watch Test Cricket Goes to show - Never bellyache about a pitch until both sides have batted May the best side win... and of course I hope its SA
felix
Guest
1-1 nobody has reason to feel too bad,bring Newlands for another cracker test match,cheers ;-)
Johnno
Guest
8 down, 2 to go
Ronan O'Connell
Expert
Australia's last Test before this series was over at the start of Jan just a week after South Africa's last Test.