Australia resumed their second innings on 156/4 and showed plenty of fight before eventually being bowled out for 295, handing South Africa a comprehensive victory.

The Baggy Greens faced an uphill battle to survive the final day in the Friendly City, with early-morning rain adding another layer of uncertainty for both teams.

The start of play was once again delayed due to rain. Photo: Cricinfo

Australia needed to bat out the day to save the Test, while South Africa had to remain patient and disciplined with the ball against an opponent determined to cling on. Travis Head led Australia's resistance with a gritty 121 off 190 balls, striking 15 fours in a determined effort to keep his side in the contest.

However, Head received limited support from the recognised batters. Klerksdorp-born Marnus Labuschagne once again failed to convert a promising start into a substantial score, making 39 off 98 balls.

Seamer Scott Boland, who claimed a five-wicket haul earlier in the match, dug in for 40 off 166 deliveries, while wicketkeeper Alex Carey remained unbeaten on 37 off 69 balls as Australia continued to resist deep into the innings.

Kagiso Rabada spearheaded the Proteas’ attack with figures of 4/77, taking his tally to 15 wickets across his last two Tests against Australia. All-rounder Wiaan Mulder provided excellent support with 3/64, while spinner Simon Harmer chipped in with 2/93.

It was fitting that lanky all-rounder Marco Jansen, who had already made a significant impact with both bat and ball, brought Australia’s resistance to an end by dismissing Josh Hazlewood. Jansen finished with figures of 1/34 from 17.1 overs after scoring a valuable 85 and claiming a five-wicket haul earlier in the Test.

Proteas captain and Player of the Match Temba Bavuma praised his team’s character and resilience after bouncing back strongly from their defeat in the first Test in Durban.

Kagiso Rabada has now taken 15 wickets in his last two Tests against Australia. Photo: Cricinfo

“It was a spirited effort from us. A lot was asked of us after the first Test in Durban, particularly in terms of our character and mentality as a team. Over the course of these five days, I think we responded well to that challenge. Whether with the bat or the ball, when things got tough, we managed to dig deep, stay in the game and, most importantly, get the result in our favour,” said Bavuma.

The skipper, who scored a career-best 179 to help rescue South Africa’s first innings, stressed the importance of sticking to the team’s plans despite the challenges they faced, including the threat of rain on the final day.

“A lot was happening, even on day five, with the weather threatening to have a big say. We have our plans, and we try to stick to them as closely as possible while adapting to the conditions. Individually, we know how we go about our business, and we trust our strengths.

Travis Head fought valiantly with 121 runs. Photo: Cricinfo

“For us, it’s about blocking out everything else, staying in the moment and sticking to what we do best,” Bavuma added.

With the series now level at 1-1, all eyes turn to Cape Town, where the third and final Test will be played at Newlands. 

The clash in the shadows of the iconic Table Mountain gets underway on Tuesday at 10:30, with the Proteas and Australia set for a decisive showdown.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cvs