Marco Jansen takes five wickets as Australia collapse for 99, while Travis Head’s unbeaten 87 offers resistance in Gqeberha.

GQEBERHA, October 21, 2026: Australia struggled against South Africa’s pace attack on Day 4 of the second Test at St George’s Park, collapsing for 99 before ending the day at 156/4 in their follow-on innings, still trailing by 170 runs.

Resuming at 3/1, Australia lost wickets at regular intervals as Marco Jansen produced a devastating spell. The left-arm pacer claimed five wickets for 33 runs, removing Scott Boland, Travis Head, Matt Renshaw, Alex Carey and Beau Webster to dismantle the visitors’ batting line-up.

Anrich Nortje also struck before leaving the field with a suspected groin injury, while Wiaan Mulder dismissed Steve Smith for 28. Smith reached 11,000 Test runs during his innings, joining Australian greats Ricky Ponting and Allan Border in the exclusive club.

Australia were eventually bowled out for 99, handing South Africa a commanding first-innings lead of 326 runs.

The hosts enforced the follow-on, with Kagiso Rabada dismissing opener Nic Maddinson for eight. Head and Marnus Labuschagne then built a 92-run partnership to steady the innings.

Labuschagne departed for 39 to Simon Harmer, while Rabada removed Renshaw and Harmer trapped Webster leg-before wicket.

Head remained unbeaten on 87 at stumps, guiding Australia to 156/4. Despite his determined resistance, the visitors still face a substantial deficit as they attempt to avoid defeat in the second Test.

South Africa’s bowlers remain firmly in control heading into the final day.