South Africa have levelled their four-Test series with Australia, taking the second Test by six wickets in Port Elizabeth.
Australia 243 & 239 defeated by
South Africa 382 & 4/102
South Africa are on the verge of levelling the series after dominating the first three days of play in Port Elizabeth, but can Mitchell Marsh and company give Australia something to bowl at in the final innings? Join The Roar for all the action from 7pm (AEDT).
Day 3 started poorly for the Aussies, with South Africa taking advantage of a side that looked stiff and sore.
The Proteas had a lead of 20 runs heading into the first session, but thanks to AB de Villiers, who finished 126 not out, and cameo innings from both Vernon Philander (36) and Keshav Maharaj (30), South Africa amassed a lead of 139.
David Warner went for 13, after some wonderful bowling by Kagiso Rabada, while Cameron Bancroft fought hard for his 24 runs, but got unlucky when he was yorked and his attempt to dig it out saw the ball played back onto his stumps.
Steve Smith didn’t last long, Maharaj getting one to spin and take his outside edge, then Shaun Marsh was caught behind off Rabada.
After losing key wickets in a flurry, Usman Khawaja got through a tough spell to pile on 75 runs, but was dismissed LBW late in the day by Rabada – who’s three wickets in the second innings sees him with eight for the Test.
Mitch Marsh was defiant, still at the crease with 39 runs, with Tim Paine the other not out batsman, on 5. Australia have a lead of 41 runs, but with only five wickets remaining.
Prediction
If the Aussies are any chance, they need Marsh and Paine to dig in, otherwise it’s going to be a South Africa win and with that, 1-1 in the series.
Join The Roar for live scores and a blog of the match, starting from 7pm (AEDT).
B2
Roar Rookie
WHY ? This is not the first time Steve Smith has been caught at the deep end. It happened in India last year with BRAIN FADE . What is disturbing more than anything else is his habit of involving teammates when caught. Even if there were others involved the decision is his, he had the choice to NOT DO IT.He will or rather should be banned for life but he is not willing to go down alone . Such men should not be chosen to lead because a leader leads by example. He will find it difficult to live this down because basically he is not a crook, brain faded maybe.Sad but lets face it , this has damaged Australian cricket irrepaiarably.
Swannies
Guest
Well done South Africa. This sets up the series for a great finish.
Dave.SA
Guest
Oh yes... Cant wait for Newlands... I have tickets Hope KG can play... Man has 4 x 10 fers already.. Last time I saw a very young South African fast bowler this good ... it was Shaun Pollock.... and I am starting to think that KG could be better
anon
Roar Pro
Pathetic capitulation. Aussies handed it to the opposition allowing themselves to be distracted by what's happening off field.
Lachlan Ballingall
Roar Guru
Thanks for joining me over the last two days everyone, hope you've all enjoyed the coverage!
Lachlan Ballingall
Roar Guru
Kagiso Rabada the man of the match!
peter chrisp
Guest
SA brilliantly done & well deserved
Lachlan Ballingall
Roar Guru
I'll be hanging around for the post-match presentation. Who do you think deserves the man of the match?
Lachlan Ballingall
Roar Guru
The series level at 1-1 after South Africa won in Port Elizabeth by six wickets. AB de Villiers' first innings hundred and Kagiso Rabada's 11 wickets over both innings the difference in the end. Australia's batting ultimately let them down here, but they have Cape Town to put that right.
Ronan O'Connell
Expert
Well played by SA in what was a very interesting Test. 1-1. What a series we have on our hands here!
Lachlan Ballingall
Roar Guru
SOUTH AFRICA WIN de Bruyn drives Cummins through the covers for four to win the game for South Africa. Over: 22.5 Score: 4/102
Ronan O'Connell
Expert
17 runs to win with six wickets in hand? Yeah, safe to say I wasn't being serious.
Lachlan Ballingall
Roar Guru
du Plessis flicks for a single. Over: 22.3 Score: 4/98
Lachlan Ballingall
Roar Guru
du Plessis waiting for the right ball. Over: 22.2 Score: 4/97
Doctor Rotcod
Guest
You might have to save your irony for those whose memory goes back to last century
Lachlan Ballingall
Roar Guru
Four more needed for South Africa to win.
Lachlan Ballingall
Roar Guru
de Bruyn cuts for four. Over: 21.6 Score: 4/97
Lachlan Ballingall
Roar Guru
du Plessis sweeps for a single. Over: 21.4 Score: 4/93
Lachlan Ballingall
Roar Guru
de Bruyn slogs it away for a single. Over: 21.3 Score: 4/92
Lachlan Ballingall
Roar Guru
de Bruyn drives away for two. Over: 21.2 Score: 4/91