GQEBERHA: A ruthless performance by the South African pace attack completely derailed the Australian batting lineup on Day 4 of the 2nd Test. Marco Jansen spearheaded a devastating bowling display to ensure Australia were bowled out for a meager 99 runs in their first innings, handing the Proteas absolute control of the match at St George&#39;s Park.

Resuming the day under immense pressure at a precarious 3 for 1 of <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/sa-vs-aus-2nd-test-day-3-bavumas-179-defies-boland-five/8591-5-0">Day 3</a>, Australia faced a monumental first-innings deficit after South Africa&rsquo;s commanding 425 for 9 declaration. The hosts wasted no time converting their overnight advantage into total dominance.&nbsp;

Under clear skies with a strong breeze cutting across the pitch, the Proteas seamers generated lethal bounce and venomous movement right from the outset of SA vs AUS 2nd Test Day 4.

The tone for the morning session was set with the very first delivery. Jansen, extracting sharp lift from the surface, removed nightwatchman Scott Boland. The all-rounder then capitalised on the breakthrough by trapping the dangerous Travis Head leg-before-wicket for 14, dealing a massive blow to the tourists&#39; aspirations of a fightback.

Australia&#39;s specialist batsmen found no respite against a relentless barrage of disciplined bowling. Marnus Labuschagne fell next for 14, drawn into an unsure poke outside the off-stump by speedster Anrich Nortje. The resulting thick edge flew straight into the cordon, where Simon Harmer pulled off a spectacular, full-stretched one-handed catch at third slip. At 45 for 4, the Australian top-order lay in tatters.

Even an unexpected injury to Nortje, who was forced to leave the field mid-over with a suspected adductor strain, failed to stem the Proteas&#39; momentum. Jansen&#39;s 5-wicket haul quest gathered steam as he returned to rip through the middle order. He induced an edge from Matt Renshaw (12), safely gathered by Harmer in the slips, before sending wicketkeeper Alex Carey back for a two-ball duck. By lunch, the visitors had slumped to a disastrous 65 for 6.

Following the interval, the remaining resistance was brief. Steve Smith played a lonely hand, grinding out a laborious 28 off 88 deliveries in an attempt to shield the lower order. However, his defiance ended when Mulder bowled him with an exceptional display of swing and seam. Kagiso Rabada wrapped up the tail with clinical efficiency, dismissing Mitchell Starc for 1 to ensure the innings concluded before reaching triple figures.

Trailing by an immense 326 runs, Australia were thoroughly outclassed across 42.3 overs of relentless pressure. With the tourists completely dismantled and bowled out under 100, South African captain Temba Bavuma faces an easy tactical decision to enforce the follow-on as the Proteas hunt for a series-leveling triumph.

Marco Jansen’s five-wicket haul dismantled the tourists as Australia bowled out for 99 on SA vs AUS 2nd Test Day 4, giving South Africa total dominance.

SA vs AUS 2nd Test Day 4: Australia Bowled Out for 99

Gqeberha: The SA vs AUS 2nd Test at St George&rsquo;s Park got off to a highly disrupted start as persistent drizzle and thick overhead cloud cover forced a heavily abbreviated opening session.&nbsp;

Under gloomy skies, Australian captain Pat Cummins won the toss and <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/sa-vs-aus-2nd-test-toss-australia-chose-to-field-first/8557-5-0">elected to field first</a>, eager to exploit a moist, green surface that promised substantial early assistance for his premier fast-bowling unit.&nbsp;

Seeking to protect their 1-0 series advantage after a dominant <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/australia-defeats-south-africa-in-1st-test-by-214-runs/8483-5-0">214-run victory in Durban</a>, Australia made a major tactical move by unleashing a relentless four-pronged pace attack, leaving out specialist spinner Nathan Lyon for Scott Boland.

Conversely, a pressured South African side under Temba Bavuma was forced into drastic action. Looking to resurrect their brittle batting order, the Proteas made three major changes, handing a Test debut to top-order batsman Marques Ackerman while recalling seasoned fast bowler Kagiso Rabada to bolster the bowling department.

Following an initial weather delay that pushed back the scheduled start, the match finally got underway under heavy dark clouds. South African openers Aiden Markram and debutant Ackerman walked out with a clear mandate to negotiate a treacherous opening period against a lethal moving ball.

The action during this rain affected session 1 was brief but intense. Markram showed proactive intent, accumulating 10 runs off 18 deliveries, which included a sharp couple of runs squirted past the fielders off Mitchell Starc&rsquo;s opening spells. Ackerman, facing a baptism of fire against elite Australian pace, showed great composure. Facing the final ball of the 5th over, Ackerman safely pushed a thick edge past the gully region to pick up a single, successfully scoring his first-ever run in international Test cricket.

Just three balls into the subsequent over, with South Africa standing at 11/0 after 5.3 overs, a steady light drizzle returned to the venue. With the outfield rapidly dampening, the on-field umpires immediately called for the groundstaff, who rushed out to cover the pitch and the square. Play was officially halted, forcing an early lunch break with Markram unbeaten on 10* and Ackerman on 1*.

Weather halted play after just 5.3 overs in the SA vs AUS 2nd Test as a rain affected session 1 left South Africa 11 for 0 at St George’s Park.

SA vs AUS 2nd Test: Rain Affected Session 1 Ends Early

GQEBERHA: Australia won the toss and elected to field against South Africa in the <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/sa-vs-aus-2nd-test-preview-rabada-boosts-proteas/8533-2-0">SA vs AUS 2nd Test</a>, as overcast conditions and a damp outfield delayed the start of play at St George&#39;s Park.

Australian captain Pat Cummins had no hesitation in opting to bowl first after winning the SA vs AUS 2nd Test toss. Cummins cited the persistent morning moisture and heavy overhead cover as ideal factors for early seam movement, hoping his potent bowling attack could exploit the spicy eastern cape pitch.

South Africa&#39;s team sheet featured significant changes. The Proteas welcomed back spearhead Kagiso Rabada, who successfully recovered from a hamstring injury to lead the bowling unit alongside Anrich Nortje. The hosts also handed a cap to top-order batter Marques Ackerman for his highly anticipated Test debut, while Matthew Breetzke was drafted into the middle order. Tristan Stubbs and wicketkeeper-batter Kyle Verreyne missed out on selection.

With Australia chose to field under testing conditions, South Africa&rsquo;s openers face a grueling opening session against the moving red ball, provided the lingering Gqeberha drizzle clears completely to allow an extended day of high-stakes Test cricket.

<h2>South Africa Playing XI</h2>

Aiden Markram, Marques Ackerman, David Bedingham, Temba Bavuma (c), Matthew Breetzke, Ryan Rickelton (wk), Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Simon Harmer, Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada&nbsp;

<h2>Australia Playing XI</h2>

Nic Maddinson, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith,&nbsp;

Matt Renshaw, Alex Carey (wk), Beau Webster, Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland, Josh Hazlewood&nbsp;

Pat Cummins won the SA vs AUS 2nd Test toss as Australia chose to field under damp, overcast skies at St George's Park in Gqeberha.

SA vs AUS 2nd Test Toss: Australia Chose to Field First

Australia speedster Josh Hazlewood believes reverse swing can once again play a major role in the second Test against South Africa. He feels the wicket at Gqeberha will start to deteriorate as game goes on, giving bowlers plenty of opportunity to take advantage of reverse and trouble the batters.

Josh Hazlewood played an important role for Australia in <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/australia-defeats-south-africa-in-1st-test-by-214-runs/8483-5-0">winning</a> the first Test at Durban. His six wickets in the second innings gave the visitors a huge edge in the match, as the Proteas were unable to play him while chasing a big target. He is now hoping to perform similarly in Gqeberha, where the conditions could once again prove helpful for reverse swing.

&quot;It&#39;s probably with Australia [pitches] being the green seamers, it just doesn&#39;t get talked about at all. The ball still looks new late in the innings if it gets that far. So it&#39;s more, if you go back to SCG years ago, we definitely got reversed there every year.&rdquo; said Josh Hazlewood.

&quot;Here in South Africa, it was just an abrasive wicket, it was very hard underfoot. We probably got a hint of it in the first innings and then as the game goes, it just sort of deteriorates more and you get a bit more. So we knew it was crucial.&rdquo; added Josh Hazlewood.

Hazlewood then talked about the conditions of the ground, saying the pitch at Gqeberha is very conventional, so it is bound to support reverse swing as the game goes on.

&quot;The conditions sort of dictate it. If the wicket is hard, firm, deteriorating, and there&#39;s not seam movement, you&#39;re probably going to get that reverse swing just due to the basic conditions of the ground, the square and the wicket.&quot; said Josh Hazlewood.

Hazlewood then talked about Scott Boland, who didn&rsquo;t played the first Test at Durban. He said Boland is a strong character who can come at any stage during the series, as his skills are tailor-made for the South African conditions.

&quot;He barely bowls poorly. Every net the boys come in, it&#39;s like, geez, Scotty again. I think he&#39;ll play a part in this series [and] I think he&#39;ll play a part in the next 12, 18 months. [He&#39;s a] class act, his record ridiculous.&rdquo; said Josh Hazlewood.

Josh Hazlewood expects reverse swing to be a major factor in the second Test against South Africa, as Australia look to build on their opening-match victory.

Hazlewood Backs Reverse Swing to Trouble Batters in Second South Africa Test

South Africa face a crucial challenge against Australia in the second Test at St George&rsquo;s Park, starting October 18. Trailing 1-0 after a heavy defeat in Durban, the Proteas must respond with a stronger batting display to keep the three-match series alive.

<h2>Key Match Details</h2>

<ul>
	<li>Match: South Africa vs Australia, 2nd Test</li>
	<li>Date: October 18, 2026 (1:00 PM PKT)</li>
	<li>Venue: St George&rsquo;s Park, Gqeberha</li>
	<li>Series: Australia lead 1-0</li>
</ul>

<h2>SA vs AUS 2nd Test Head-to-Heads (Last 5)</h2>

Australia have won three of the last five Tests listed between the sides, while South Africa claimed victory in the 2025 World Test Championship final. One match ended in a draw, giving Australia the stronger recent record ahead of the second Test.

<table cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse:collapse; width:610px">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td style="vertical-align:top; width:200px">
			Date
			</td>
			<td style="vertical-align:top; width:109px">
			Venue
			</td>
			<td style="vertical-align:top; width:301px">
			Result
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="vertical-align:top; width:200px">
			October 9&ndash;13, 2026
			</td>
			<td style="vertical-align:top; width:109px">
			Durban
			</td>
			<td style="vertical-align:top; width:301px">
			Australia won by 214 runs
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="vertical-align:top; width:200px">
			June 11&ndash;15, 2025
			</td>
			<td style="vertical-align:top; width:109px">
			Lord&rsquo;s
			</td>
			<td style="vertical-align:top; width:301px">
			South Africa won by 5 wickets
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="vertical-align:top; width:200px">
			January 4&ndash;8, 2023
			</td>
			<td style="vertical-align:top; width:109px">
			Sydney
			</td>
			<td style="vertical-align:top; width:301px">
			Match drawn
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="vertical-align:top; width:200px">
			December 26&ndash;30, 2022
			</td>
			<td style="vertical-align:top; width:109px">
			Melbourne
			</td>
			<td style="vertical-align:top; width:301px">
			Australia won by an innings and 182 runs
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="vertical-align:top; width:200px">
			December 17&ndash;21, 2022
			</td>
			<td style="vertical-align:top; width:109px">
			Brisbane
			</td>
			<td style="vertical-align:top; width:301px">
			Australia won by 6 wickets
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

<h2>South Africa vs Australia 2nd Test Preview</h2>

Australia head into the SA vs AUS 2nd Test with confidence after winning the opener by 214 runs. Matt Renshaw starred with the bat, while Josh Hazlewood dismantled South Africa&rsquo;s batting lineup in the second innings.

The hosts have responded with changes to their squad. Matthew Breetzke is expected to strengthen the middle order, while <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/tristan-stubbs-dropped-as-rabada-returns-for-2nd-test/8522-5-0">Kagiso Rabada&rsquo;s return</a> should improve their pace attack. Australia, meanwhile, are likely to retain their winning combination as Pat Cummins looks to secure the series before the final Test in Cape Town.

<h2>First Test Summary&nbsp;</h2>

Australia established their dominance in Durban with a commanding performance across both innings. Matt Renshaw led the batting effort with 190 runs in the first innings and followed it with another 82 in the second.

South Africa struggled to maintain consistency with the bat. Aiden Markram scored 75 in the second innings, while Wiaan Mulder contributed with both bat and ball. However, Josh Hazlewood&rsquo;s six-wicket haul proved decisive, leaving the hosts with little chance of recovering.

On Day 5, <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/australia-defeats-south-africa-in-1st-test-by-214-runs/8483-5-0">Australia defeated South Africa</a> by 214 runs. The result exposed South Africa&rsquo;s middle-order problems, which coach Shukri Conrad will expect his players to address in Gqeberha.&nbsp;

<h2>SA vs AUS 2nd Test Predicted Playing XIs</h2>

<h3>South Africa Predicted XI</h3>

Aiden Markram, Matthew Breetzke, David Bedingham, Temba Bavuma (c), Marques Ackerman, Ryan Rickelton (wk), Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Gerald Coetzee.

<h3>Australia Predicted XI</h3>

Travis Head, Nic Maddinson, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Matt Renshaw, Alex Carey (wk), Beau Webster, Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood.

<h2>SA vs AUS 2nd Test Key Battles to Watch</h2>

<h3>Kagiso Rabada vs Matt Renshaw</h3>

Renshaw will be Australia&#39;s key batter after his outstanding performance in the opening Test. Rabada&#39;s pace and ability to generate movement could challenge him early and give South Africa an opportunity to break Australia&#39;s top order.

<h3>Aiden Markram vs Josh Hazlewood</h3>

South Africa&#39;s captain must convert his promising first-Test contribution into a substantial score. Hazlewood&#39;s accuracy and ability to exploit seam movement make this an important contest for the hosts.

<h3>Steve Smith vs Keshav Maharaj</h3>

As the pitch wears, Maharaj could become increasingly influential. Smith&#39;s footwork and ability to handle spin will be tested if the left-arm spinner finds turn and bounce during the middle stages.

<h2>Watch South Africa vs Australia 2nd Test on tapmad</h2>

Cricket fans across Pakistan and Bangladesh can watch <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/watch/australia-tour-of-south-africa-2026/1176951">SA vs AUS 2nd Test live</a> on tapmad. The platform offers access to live sports and match highlights, subject to regional availability.

<ul>
	<li>Watch live cricket in HD quality.</li>
	<li>Enjoy an ad-free viewing experience where available.</li>
	<li>Stream matches on compatible mobile devices, tablets, and smart TVs.</li>
	<li>Catch highlights and important match moments.</li>
</ul>

Kagiso Rabada's return boosts South Africa as they target a fightback against Australia on SA vs AUS 2nd Test in Gqeberha.

SA vs AUS 2nd Test Preview: Rabada Boosts Proteas

Cameron Green is unlikely to feature in Australia&rsquo;s second Test against South Africa in Gqeberha as he continues his recovery from an abdominal injury. The allrounder is now more likely to be available for the series finale in Cape Town.

Green returned to batting practice on Thursday for the first time since suffering an abdominal strain during the final ODI in Potchefstroom. While the first Test was underway in Durban, he had been working on his fitness as advised by the medical panel.

Green&rsquo;s latest training session also remained limited, as he faced only gentle throwdowns before taking part in slip-catching drills on the outfield. He then moved on to more fitness work with the medical team keeping a close eye on his progress.

&quot;He&#39;s here today. I&#39;m not sure of his program, but he&#39;ll be hitting over the next week and he started to get moving last Test. I think maybe more looking for the third Test, but he&#39;s starting to get moving, which is a positive sign.&quot; said Australia assistant coach Matthew Wade.

Australia coach Andrew McDonald had earlier suggested that Green would not bowl in any of the three Tests, even if he recovered in time to play as a batter.

With Green out of the <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/australia-defeats-south-africa-in-1st-test-by-214-runs/8483-5-0">Durban Test</a>, Australia changed their batting order and sent Matt Renshaw in at No. 5, where he scored 272 runs in the match. It should be noted that Cameron Green was originally expected to bat at that position, but his injury forced him to miss the Test, giving Renshaw the opportunity to fill the spot.

Talking about other players, Josh Inglis is also working hard to put up his name for the second test against South Africa. He recently increased his batting time in the nets, as Australia is yet to decide their final playing XI for the upcoming match.

&quot;He&#39;ll start to push for this Test. Whether his finger is 100% right for this Test, I&#39;m not sure, but he&#39;s looking to put himself on the frame.&quot; said Australia assistant coach Matthew Wade.

Cameron Green is likely to miss Australia’s second Test against South Africa as he continues his recovery from an abdominal injury.

Cameron Green Doubtful for Second Test Against South Africa Due to Injury

South Africa face important selection decisions ahead of the second Test against Australia in Gqeberha, with Ryan Rickelton taking over wicketkeeping duties and Matthew Breetzke entering the squad. Tristan Stubbs drops from the squad after the <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/australia-defeats-south-africa-in-1st-test-by-214-runs/8483-5-0">first Test defeat in Durban</a>, while Kagiso Rabada is expected to return following his recovery from a hamstring problem.

The revised squad gives head coach Shukri Conrad several options for reshaping the batting order. Kyle Verreynne could miss out after failing to score a Test half-century in his last 13 innings, while the team must decide whether Rickelton will continue opening alongside Aiden Markram or bat further down the order.

Breetzke is among the candidates who could fill a place at the top of the order. The right-hander has scored heavily in domestic cricket and recently hit a century in the first ODI against Australia in Durban. His previous Test appearances, however, produced only 14 runs against Bangladesh in 2024 and Zimbabwe in 2025.

Conrad pointed to more than Breetzke&#39;s batting form when explaining his selection.

&ldquo;Matt has been part of the squad before,&rdquo; Conrad said. &ldquo;The fact that his ODI form is as hot as it is gave him an inside lane and, more importantly, it&rsquo;s the attitude and the character Matt brings and has.&rdquo;

Uncapped batter Marques Ackerman is another option, although he generally bats in the middle order. Tony de Zorzi cannot be considered while he continues his recovery from a hamstring injury, leaving South Africa to assess their available combinations before naming the team.

Weather conditions could also affect the balance of the side. Heavy rain is forecast for the opening day on Sunday, potentially limiting the time available for play and influencing the decision on how many specialist bowlers to select.

Rabada&#39;s anticipated return strengthens South Africa&#39;s pace attack, with Anrich Nortje, Marco Jansen, Wiaan Mulder, Gerald Coetzee, Dane Paterson and Corbin Bosch also retained. Keshav Maharaj, Simon Harmer and Senuran Muthusamy remain the spin options, although only one specialist spinner is expected to play.

<h2>South Africa Updated Squad for 2nd Test</h2>

Temba Bavuma (c), Marques Ackerman, David Bedingham, Matthew Breetzke, Corbin Bosch, Gerald Coetzee, Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Anrich Nortje, Dane Paterson, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton and Kyle Verreynne.

Tristan Stubbs drops from the squad as South Africa bring back Kagiso Rabada and call up Matthew Breetzke in the South Africa updated squad for 2nd Test.

Tristan Stubbs Dropped as Rabada Returns for 2nd Test

DURBAN: A masterclass in top-order batting and a lethal exhibition of fast bowling ensured that Australia defeats South Africa in 1st Test at Kingsmead by a comprehensive margin. Displaying ruthless efficiency across four days of intense red-ball cricket, the visitors dismantled the Proteas&#39; resistance on the final day, as Australia won by 214 runs to claim a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

Winning the toss and electing to bat first, Australia set the tone early. Opener Matt Renshaw anchored the visitors&#39; first innings with a spectacular, career-defining 190. Showing immense discipline against a probing South African attack, Renshaw combined for crucial partnerships that propelled Australia to a formidable <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/sa-vs-aus-1st-test-day-2-renshaw-190-lyon-stand/8442-5-0">first-innings total</a> of 390 all out.&nbsp;

Proteas all-rounder Wiaan Mulder was the pick of the local bowlers, registering impressive figures of 4/68 to restrict what could have been a far more damaging score.

In reply, South Africa&rsquo;s first innings struggled to find momentum against a relentless Australian pace battery led by Pat Cummins. While several batsmen got starts, none could convert them into a match-defining milestone. David Bedingham top-scored with a gritty 49, but Australia&#39;s captain <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/sa-vs-aus-1st-test-day-3-smith-world-record-cummins-3-wickets/8458-5-0">Pat Cummins (3/54)</a> struck at vital moments to bowl out the hosts for 284, handing Australia a vital 106-run first-innings lead.

Refusing to take their foot off the gas, the Australian batsmen came out firing in the second innings. Renshaw continued his golden run of form, cracking a quickfire 82, while Nic Maddinson contributed a brisk 48. The aggressive approach allowed Cummins to declare late on Day 4 at 314/6, setting South Africa a daunting, near-impossible <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/sa-vs-aus-1st-test-day-4-renshaw-82-australia-sets-421-target/8466-5-0">target of 421 runs</a> for victory.&nbsp;

The declaration also came amidst concern, as star batsman Steve Smith was forced off the field after being struck on the helmet by a sharp Anrich Nortje bouncer. Smith sat out the final innings under concussion protocols.

Faced with a mountain to climb, South Africa&#39;s second-innings chase began with a glimmer of hope. Opening batsman Aiden Markram showed immense character, fighting his way to a brilliant 75. Alongside another resilient knock from David Bedingham (46), the duo briefly frustrated the Australian bowling unit.

However, the final day belonged entirely to Josh Hazlewood. Utilizing the reverse swing and variable bounce of the wearing Kingsmead pitch, Hazlewood produced an exceptional spell of fast bowling. He ripped through the South African middle and lower order, claiming sensational figures of 6/49. The Proteas collapsed from a steady position, losing their final wickets in rapid succession to be bowled out for 206.

Renshaw was named Player of the Match for his aggregate of 272 runs, providing the bedrock for an emphatic Australian victory. With the series advantage secured, the teams now head to Gqeberha for the second Test, where a wounded South Africa will look to salvage the series.

Josh Hazlewood's 6/49 and Matt Renshaw's brilliant 190 powered Australia to a 214-run victory over South Africa in the Durban Test.

Australia Defeats South Africa in 1st Test by 214 Runs

Australia tightened their grip on the first Test against South Africa on Day 5 at Kingsmead, Durban, with the hosts reaching 120/4 in their second innings while chasing 421 for victory.

At the latest update, South Africa needed another 301 runs from 91 overs to win the match. Aiden Markram remained unbeaten on 51 off 133 balls, while Wiaan Mulder was 15 not out from 47 deliveries.

The hosts have a difficult task ahead. Australia need six more wickets to seal the win, while South Africa must rebuild after losing four wickets in the morning session.

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:20,&quot;y&quot;:332,&quot;w&quot;:277,&quot;h&quot;:46,&quot;abs_x&quot;:714,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1042}">Markram Holds South Africa&#39;s Chase Together</h2>

Markram has been South Africa&#39;s main source of resistance, striking seven boundaries in his unbeaten half-century. Mulder is alongside him at the crease as the pair look to keep the chase alive.

South Africa lost Ryan Rickelton early for two, caught by Alex Carey off Josh Hazlewood. David Bedingham then scored 46 from 68 balls before Hazlewood trapped him lbw, leaving the hosts under pressure.

Captain Temba Bavuma managed only one run before Matt Renshaw dismissed him, with Nic Maddinson taking the catch. Tristan Stubbs followed for one, caught behind by Carey off Pat Cummins.

South Africa slipped to 86/4, leaving Markram and Mulder with plenty of work to do.

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:20,&quot;y&quot;:804,&quot;w&quot;:277,&quot;h&quot;:46,&quot;abs_x&quot;:714,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1514}">Australia Push for a Day 5 Finish</h2>

Hazlewood has taken two wickets, while Cummins and Renshaw have claimed one each. Australia&#39;s bowlers have kept the scoring rate down, with Nathan Lyon conceding just 25 runs in 11.6 overs and Mitchell Starc giving away 27 in 10 overs.

Australia posted 390 in their first innings before declaring at 314/6 in the second. South Africa replied with 284 in their first innings, leaving them with a challenging fourth-innings target.

The live win probability currently gives Australia a 79% chance of victory, with the draw at 18% and South Africa at 3%.

The next partnership will be vital for the hosts. Another wicket would expose the lower order, while a prolonged stand could make Australia work harder for the remaining six wickets.

Fans can watch <a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:20,&quot;y&quot;:1275,&quot;w&quot;:276,&quot;h&quot;:35,&quot;abs_x&quot;:714,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1985}" href="https://www.tapmad.com/watch/australia-tour-of-south-africa-2026/1176941">Australia vs South Africa live on tapmad</a> and follow the latest action from Day 5 of the opening Test.

Australia lead South Africa by 300 runs on Day 5 at Kingsmead, with Aiden Markram unbeaten on 51 as the hosts chase a target of 421.

Markram Leads South Africa's Chase Against Australia on Day 5

Australia were without Steve Smith on the field as South Africa began their run chase on the fourth day of the opening Test at Kingsmead. The batter had been struck on the helmet earlier in the day while playing in the second innings.

The incident happened just four balls into Smith&rsquo;s innings when Anrich Nortje bowled a short delivery that hit his helmet and sent the ball towards fine leg.

Smith then received medical attention on the field and changed his helmet afterwards before returning to bat. He managed 27 runs from 41 balls before Harmer got him out, with Jansen taking the catch at long-on.

Australia later declared at 314-6 after 58 overs, setting South Africa a big <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/sa-vs-aus-1st-test-day-4-proteas-stumble-1024/8468-5-0">target</a> of 421. Matt Renshaw played a major role in building that lead, scoring 82 runs after his strong performance in the first innings.

Interestingly, Smith was not among the Australian players on the field when South Africa began their chase in the final session. Neser stepped in as a substitute fielder, taking Smith&rsquo;s place in the slips cordon.

As per the recent reports, Cricket Australia is expected to share more details about Smith&rsquo;s condition by Monday evening or Tuesday. The board said he had not been diagnosed with a concussion as of Monday.

Despite this, Smith cannot return to the field until he has been free of symptoms for the required period and is cleared to play. This has definitely created a concern for the visitors, as Smith is an integral part of their batting unit. The 37-year old has also performed well on previous South Africa tours, so having him in the batting order throughout the series is extremely important for Australia.

Australia face concerns over Steve Smith’s fitness after the batter was hit on the helmet during the first Test against South Africa and missed the final session on day four.

Australia Face Steve Smith Injury Concern in First South Africa Test

https://d34080pnh6e62j.cloudfront.net/images/contentCategorythumb/1790062285_1600x2130.jpg

Australia Tour of South Africa 2026

Blogs