South Africa holds a commanding position in the second Test against Australia at St George’s Park in Gqeberha, with one day of play remaining. According to Daily Maverick, the Proteas lead by 170 runs after dismissing Australia for 99 in their first innings, a collapse that followed South Africa’s declaration of 425 for nine. Marco Jansen was the central figure in the Proteas’ dominance, claiming five wickets for 33 in 11 overs to secure his third five-wicket haul in Test cricket. This performance set up a likely victory for the home side, leaving Australia in a precarious position.

The Proteas’ captain, Temba Bavuma, chose to enforce the follow-on despite having one fewer bowler available. This decision came after Anrich Nortje pulled up with a groin complaint during his third over on the fourth day, a setback for the South African pace attack. Daily Maverick noted that Nortje had returned to Test cricket after more than three years of injury, making the setback a significant blow. Despite this, the Proteas maintained pressure, with Kagiso Rabada bowling at speeds reaching 154.5 km/h, which Daily Maverick described as a psychological factor for the visiting batters.

Australia’s first-innings collapse was marked by the dismissal of key players, including Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne. Steve Smith, who played from an unusual chest-on position due to a neck injury, was bowled for 28, becoming the third Australian to reach 11,000 Test runs. In the second innings, Australia was 156 for four at the close of play, with Travis Head on 87 and Scott Boland on two. Daily Maverick reported that Boland had batted as a nightwatchman earlier in the match, a rare occurrence for a regular No. 10 batter.

The Proteas now need six wickets to force Australia to bat again, with the ball being 54 overs old. Daily Maverick highlighted that Australia has never won a Test match after being asked to follow on in the previous 30 instances, though they have salvaged 11 draws. The match resumes on day five, with the Proteas in control of the series. The performance of the Proteas’ bowlers, particularly Jansen and Rabada, has been instrumental in shifting the momentum decisively in their favor.