Australia were bowled out for 99 in Gqeberha and forced to follow on, leaving South Africa within sight of victory in the second Test. At 156 for four, still 170 runs behind, Australia could yet save the match on the final day, but another batting failure has left the door open to defeat.
Another batting collapse
After South Africa had posted more than 400, Australia's first innings lasted only 38.3 overs as nine wickets fell. Marco Jansen and Kagiso Rabada bowled with ferocity, beating the edges with the ball pitched up and peppering batters when it was not.
Some poor Australian decisions gave wickets away. Alex Carey and Beau Webster played senseless punches off the back foot to rising balls, nicking them to round out Jansen's five for 33. Mitchell Starc did the same for Rabada's second. Marnus Labuschagne got in a footwork tangle and edged Anrich Nortje to set up Simon Harmer's slip catch. Pat Cummins slogged to the deep.
Smith's struggle and follow-on
Steve Smith hung in for 28, becoming the 12th player to pass 11,000 Test runs, but he looked awful, later revealed to be due to a neck problem. He was eventually bowled by Wiaan Mulder's nip-backer.
With South Africa's lead at 326, Temba Bavuma asked his bowlers to go again despite Nortje being out with a groin strain. Nic Maddinson lasted 10 balls in his second innings before nicking Rabada.
Final day hopes
For a time, Travis Head and Labuschagne looked set to take Australia to safety, but Labuschagne fell at 39, and Renshaw was bowled for 11. Still 170 behind, any last-day rescue must come from the sore Smith, Carey, and Head resuming on 87.
