Third time this century - how Australia's stark collapse unfolded
Australia are forced to follow-on for only the third time in the past 38 years after being dismissed for 99 by South Africa on day four of the second Test in Gqeberha.
In a historic third consecutive century-defeating performance for South Africa in the past 38 years, Australia were dismissed for 99 runs on day four of the second Test in Gqeberha. Left-arm spinner Marco Jansen spearheaded the demolition with 5-33 as Kagiso Rabada and Wiaan Mulder each claimed two wickets. Despite a spirited effort from Temba Bavuma who scored 179, South Africa posted a formidable 425-9 in their first innings, leaving Australia trailing by an overwhelming margin of 422 runs.
The collapse was swift and brutal, with Australia losing nine wickets in just 40 overs on the fourth day. Captain Steve Smith was the highest scorer for the tourists, managing a score of 28, while no other batsman managed more than 14 runs. The last time Australia faced such a crushing defeat was against India at Sydney in 2019 and earlier, in the fourth Ashes Test at Trent Bridge in 2005.
The biggest first-innings deficit conceded by Australia occurred against West Indies in November 1984. Jansen's early impact, combined with timely contributions from other bowlers like Nortje and Rabada, ultimately led to Australia's stark collapse, leaving them with a formidable first-innings deficit of 326 runs to overcome.
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