{"id":706,"date":"2026-10-22T15:38:15","date_gmt":"2026-10-22T14:38:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cricketkidunyya.com\/index.php\/2026\/10\/22\/sa-vs-aus-2nd-test-reactions-south-africa-thrash-australia-in-gqeberha-to-set-up-series-decider\/"},"modified":"2026-10-22T15:38:15","modified_gmt":"2026-10-22T14:38:15","slug":"sa-vs-aus-2nd-test-reactions-south-africa-thrash-australia-in-gqeberha-to-set-up-series-decider","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cricketkidunyya.com\/index.php\/2026\/10\/22\/sa-vs-aus-2nd-test-reactions-south-africa-thrash-australia-in-gqeberha-to-set-up-series-decider\/","title":{"rendered":"SA vs AUS 2nd Test Reactions: South Africa thrash Australia in Gqeberha to set up series decider"},"content":{"rendered":"

Last Updated on 48 seconds ago by Charbel Coorey<\/a><\/p>\n

South Africa<\/a> have levelled the series against Australia in emphatic fashion, winning the rain-affected Gqeberha Test by an innings and 31 runs.<\/p>\n

It is quite a remarkable victory considering over 140 overs were lost to rain and the Proteas were 110\/6 after 50 overs on day three. Marco Jansen\u2019s onslaught turned the match on its head, combining with the resilient and ever-resolute Temba Bavuma (179) to shift the momentum. Then, Simon Harmer\u2019s contribution alongside Bavuma took South Africa past 400.<\/p>\n

However, for their decision to bat on to prove a masterstroke, South Africa needed to dismiss Australia cheaply on day four. And that they did. The Proteas breathed fire, producing a dominant and hostile bowling display to roll the visitors for just 99. <\/p>\n

That 326-run lead was the perfect opportunity to enforce the follow on.<\/p>\n

After taking a four second innings wickets on the fourth evening, South Africa would\u2019ve been nervous watching somewhat unexpected rain that washed out the first session of day five. And perhaps the nerves were increasing that little bit more as Scott Boland and Travis Head batted for nearly 30 overs together. However, South Africa\u2019s biggest star of day five \u2013 Wiaan Mulder \u2013 prized out the wicket of Head just before the second new ball, and it proved crucial.<\/p>\n

An uncomfortable Steve Smith, hampered by a neck issue<\/a>, was out soon after the new ball was taken. Boland, who had faced an incredible 165 deliveries, was continuing to fight hard, until a magnificent nip-backer from Mulder breached his defence. The seamer\u2019s ability to hone in on the stumps came up trumps once again, beating Pat Cummins on the outside edge to hit the top of offstump and reduce Australia to 262\/8.<\/p>\n

From there, it was only a matter of time. Kagiso Rabada came back on to remove Mitchell Starc after some brief resistance, taking his tally to six wickets for the match in a very successful return. Then, fittingly, Marco Jansen took the last wicket to fall, capping off an incredible Test where he scored a match-turning 85 and snapped up six wickets.<\/p>\n

Concerns for Australia as South Africa produce stirring fightback in Gqeberha<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The nature of the defeat will raise questions for Australia. Their shot selection left plenty to be desired, many of which coach Andrew McDonald said he \u201ccan\u2019t defend.\u201d The fact they lost 19 wickets in the final two days is cause for disappoinment and concern.<\/p>\n

\u201cSome of the shots that we played in the scenario \u2013 we knew we had a lot of work to do at the start of the day and I think some of the shots that some of the players played today (day four), they\u2019d take back,\u201d said McDonald on Wednesday, as quoted by cricket.com.au<\/a><\/em>.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere was some batter error there, and I think we are better than that, but as it sits right now, I can\u2019t defend that.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nic Maddinson\u2019s spot at the top of the order will be under the spotlight again after he looked well off the pace. Marnus Labuschagne\u2019s starts, plus Smith\u2019s neck issue, are other headaches for the visitors. Also, how they keep Scott Boland in the team is another point of conjecture. <\/p>\n

Whether they can piece it together and regroup quickly at Newlands will make for interesting viewing.<\/p>\n

On the flip side, South Africa would be thrilled with their fightback after a poor performance in Durban and difficult start to the Gqeberha Test. Player of the match Temba Bavuma was at the heart of it, fighting through difficult periods against disciplined Australian bowling. He then received brilliant support from his lower order.<\/p>\n

SA vs AUS 2nd Test Reactions: The Proteas hammer Australia to take series to a Newlands decider<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Here are some of the reactions to a magnificent victory for the Proteas in Gqeberha.<\/p>\n

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What a win \"\ud83d\udc4f\"\"\ud83d\udc4f\"\"\ud83d\udc4f\"\"\ud83c\uddff\"\"\ud83c\udde6\ud83c\uddff\"\"\ud83c\udde6\"<\/p>\n

\u2014 Faf Du Plessis (@faf1307) October 22, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n

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TAKE THAT!! What a win Proteas \"\ud83c\uddff\ud83c\udde6\" Series 1-1. See you at Newlands! #SAvAUS<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Eems (@NaeemahBenjamin) October 22, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n

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That is an incredible victory for South Africa!!!<\/p>\n

150 overs lost to rain, 6\/110\u2026 but SOMEHOW they have pulled off the most unlikely of victories.<\/p>\n

Bring on Newlands!<\/p>\n

\u2014 Dale (@ncakos316) October 22, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n

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Oh man, next week at Newlands is going to be electric<\/p>\n

1-1, with it all to play for!<\/p>\n

Well done, South Africa!!!! Well done!!!<\/p>\n

\u2014 ThePoppingCrease (@PoppingCreaseSA) October 22, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n

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One of the greatest test wins for Sa. Absolutely sensational effort.<\/p>\n

\u2014 tea_addIct (@on_drive2306) October 22, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n

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That was one of the best Proteas test displays I\u2019ve ever watched.<\/p>\n

\u2014 Qhagaros (@ClixWell) October 22, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n

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Jansen you beauty!!! What a catch Temba!!!! South Africa win by an innings and 31 runs \"\ud83c\uddff\ud83c\udde6\"\"\ud83c\udfcf\"\"\ud83d\udd25\"\"\ud83d\udc4c\" #SAvAUS<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Gills (@gpricey23) October 22, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n

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One of my favourite South African Test victories \"\ud83c\uddff\ud83c\udde6\"\"\ud83d\udd25\"<\/p>\n

Phenomenal performance to come from behind, beat the Aussie bowlers, their batters, the weather, the pitch, time. Outstanding win.<\/p>\n

\u2014 Rohit Sankar (@imRohit_SN) October 22, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n

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A MASTERCLASS IN TEST CRICKET TO COME BACK LIKE THAT AFTER BEING AGAINST THE ROPES! CONGRATULATIONS PROTEAS! YOU NEVER WRITE OFF A SOUTH AFRICAN. \"\u2764\"\"\u2764\"\"\u2764\"\"\ud83c\uddff\"\"\ud83c\udde6\ud83c\uddff\"\"\ud83c\udde6\ud83c\uddff\"\"\ud83c\udde6\"\"\ud83c\udfc6\"\"\ud83c\udfc6\"\"\ud83c\udfc6\"<\/p>\n

\u2014 Rory Petzer (@RoryPetzer) October 22, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n

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WHAT A WIN THIS!!!!<\/p>\n

145 overs of play lost, 110\/6 batting first, and they win by an innings with an hour of play left on Day 5 which was also delayed due to rain.<\/p>\n

Arguably South Africa’s finest Test win in a long time \"\ud83d\ude4c\" #SAvAUS<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Shubh Agarwal (@shubh_chintak) October 22, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n

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Apart from Bavuma\u2019s superb innings, Jansen\u2019s Test is what stood out for me. <\/p>\n

His innings was just like Gilchrist \u2013 it totally changed the course of the match. <\/p>\n

But Gilchrist never picked up 6 wickets as well!<\/p>\n

What a cricketer Jansen is!#SAvAUS<\/a> #SAvsAUS<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Paul Dennett (@PaulDennett_) October 22, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n

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Test cricket you beauty, I love you \"\ud83c\udfcf\" #SAvAUS<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Zukx (@Zukx_DaBrother) October 22, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n

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Brilliant performance from the proteas to square the series in style.<\/p>\n

\u2014 Prasanna (@prasannalara) October 22, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n

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One more for one of the most unlikeliest test match victories you will see. <\/p>\n

After Day 2 things were looking bleak but it shows you the mongrel, grit and bouncebackability the Proteas have shown under Conrad\/Bavuma.<\/p>\n

\u2014 Grant (@grantbn6) October 22, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n

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Great win and turnaround by the proteas, Cape Town will be rather intriguing no doubt.<\/p>\n

\u2014 Herschelle Gibbs (@hershybru) October 22, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n

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That’s one of the great Proteas wins.<\/p>\n

\u2014 stuart hess (@shockerhess) October 22, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n

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I never doubted you, Pieter Willem Adriaan Mulder \"\u2764\"\"\u2764\"\"\u2764\"\"\ud83e\udd79\"\"\ud83e\udd79\"\"\ud83e\udd79\"\"\ud83e\udd79\"\"\ud83e\udd79\" https:\/\/t.co\/Mb6D8MxzYC<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Sabeeha Majid (@SabeehaMajid) October 22, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n

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Fantastic Test match win for South Africa that. Didn\u2019t look likely after two days but a massive turnaround firmly centred around a magnificent 179 from Temba Bavuma.<\/p>\n

\u2014 Philasande Sixaba (@psixaba) October 22, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n

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\u2013 85(100) with the bat.
\u2013 5\/33 in 1st innings.
\u2013 1\/34 in 2nd innings.<\/p>\n

What a allrounder performance by Marco Jansen in this Test Match against Australia \u2013 Take a bow, Marco Jansen.\"\ud83d\ude47\" pic.twitter.com\/9rcjmmiplS<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Tanuj (@ImTanujSingh) October 22, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n

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That\u2019s a hiding! What a win that from the Proteas!<\/p>\n

\u2014 Kooks (@Kookie_Kuhle) October 22, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n

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Saving the test was a big deal for SA at the end of day 2, but here they are winning the match in a dominant fashion\u2026 Unreal comeback from 110-6 to winning the match by an innings. Properly thrashed australia.<\/p>\n

\u2014 arfan (@Im__Arfan) October 22, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n

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Rabada impact on this side showed this test<\/p>\n

Not just in terms of wickets and the rate at which he gets them<\/p>\n

But by the presence he has on the rest of the attack #SAvAUS<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Chatil Panditasekara (@ChatilPandi) October 22, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n

The Newlands Test begins on Tuesday October 27, with all to play for.<\/p>\n

The post SA vs AUS 2nd Test Reactions: South Africa thrash Australia in Gqeberha to set up series decider<\/a> appeared first on CricBlog<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Last Updated on 48 seconds ago by Charbel Coorey South Africa have levelled the series against Australia in emphatic fashion, winning the rain-affected Gqeberha Test by an innings and 31 runs. It is quite a remarkable victory considering over 140 overs were lost to rain and the Proteas were 110\/6 after 50 overs on day […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-706","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-blog"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/cricketkidunyya.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/706","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/cricketkidunyya.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/cricketkidunyya.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cricketkidunyya.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cricketkidunyya.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=706"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/cricketkidunyya.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/706\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/cricketkidunyya.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=706"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cricketkidunyya.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=706"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cricketkidunyya.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=706"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}