Australia Forced to Follow-On for First Time Since 2019 After South Africa Collapse
South Africa, after a dramatic turnaround, dismissed Australia for 99, forcing them to bat again in the second Test.
Australia was compelled to follow-on for only the third time this century on day four of the second Test in Gqeberha, after being bowled out for 99 by South Africa. The collapse comes after the tourists were dismissed in their first innings for just 99, trailing South Africa by 326 runs.
Left-arm bowler Marco Jansen was instrumental in Australia's demise, taking 5-33. Kagiso Rabada and Wiaan Mulder contributed two wickets apiece as South Africa mounted a strong comeback in the series.
South Africa had been in a precarious position at 110-6 early on day three, but fought back to post 425-9 declared, anchored by Temba Bavuma's 179 and an 85 from Jansen. This effort gave them a significant first-innings lead.
Australia's batting order struggled, with Steve Smith top-scoring with 28. No other Australian batter reached 15, and the highest partnership was only 23. The tourists lost their remaining nine wickets in under 40 overs on the fourth day.
This is the first time Australia has been forced to follow-on since their match against India in Sydney in 2019. Prior to that, the most recent instance was the 2005 Ashes Test at Trent Bridge. The first-innings deficit Australia conceded was their largest since a Test against the West Indies in November 1984.