South Africa vs Australia 2nd Test LIVE Score Updates: South Africa are relying on their bowlers to pull off an astonishing victory over Australia on Day 5 of the second Test in Gqeberha. After being bowled out for only 99 in their first innings, Australia have reached 156/4 in their follow-on second innings. However, the visitors still trail by 170 runs, entering the final day. Australia’s hopes rest on Travis Head , who is unbeaten on 87, while the likes of Steve Smith and Alex Carey are yet to bat.
South Africa captain Temba Bavuma , on the other hand, will rely on Kagiso Rabada , Marco Jansen and co. to help them register a sensational win and level the series. ( Live Scorecard )
South Africa need six more wickets to level the three-match series at 1-1, while Australia must produce a lionhearted rearguard effort to keep the hosts at bay. Rain or reign? Who will the weather gods favour? This Test has already seen plenty of rain interruptions, yet we still have a gripping contest on our hands! The visitors would not mind the rain gods chipping in with an assist, either, as they look to salvage a draw! The exact forecast is still awaited, however, we have heard that a few clouds have parked themselves in Gqeberha this morning. For now, the big question is whether the weather will play spoiler or let the cricket do the talking. Knocks and shocks – Steve Smith’s troublesome neck and Anrich Nortje’s groin injury have become unexpected talking points in this Test. Australia’s concerns are far greater While South Africa may not feel Nortje’s absence too keenly just yet. They desperately need Smith out in the middle if they are to harbour any realistic hopes of salvaging this match. For the hosts, Nortje’s absence could become a bigger headache if Australia manage to mount a fightback and force the frontline seamers into a long, tiring spell. Just when the Test seemed to have enough twists and turns, these untimely injuries have thrown another spanner into the works!
8.06 am GMT – We’ve got an update from the officials! The session is scheduled to get underway at 8.25 am GMT. Set up for a grandstand finish – What works in Australia’s favour is that the ball is already 54 overs old, and with very little action on Days 1 and 2, there hasn’t been much foot traffic on the surface. South Africa’s attack, meanwhile, will have had a good night’s rest and will be raring to go on Day 5, backing themselves to get the job done. It’s all set up for a fascinating finish, with play scheduled to begin at 7.45 am GMT.
As a result, the indentations may not be as pronounced as they usually are on a Day 5 pitch.
A quick chat with Jansen – The towering Marco Jansen says South Africa’s plan was to keep Australia under pressure and pick up as many wickets as possible. Reacting to Dale Steyn’s tweet calling him the best cricketer in the world at present, Jansen says the two share a good friendship. The covers are being cleared and the playing area is being prepared for action. After all the weather-related uncertainty, there’s finally a time to look forward to. He feels it was one of those days when everything fell into place, allowing the hosts to stay on top throughout. he admits it is special to hear such words from a legend of the game While such praise naturally brings its own pressure. Jansen also speaks about the confidence he draws from having KG Rabada at the other end, adding that Rabada’s intent and energy inspire him to raise his own game. Looking ahead, Jansen expects the conditions to offer some nip and seam movement. He also reckons Simon Harmer could find turn, while the uneven grass on the surface may provide some extra bounce. A lot will also depend on Steve Smith’s availability, with the Australian batter nursing a sore neck. We look forward to having your company then. Cheers!
