Head’s dismissal opens the door: Proteas win second Test in Gqeberha

The Proteas have drawn level in their Test series against Australia.

South Africa bowled the Baggy Greens out on day 5 to win by an innings and 31 runs.

This leaves everything to play for in the final Test at Newlands later this month.

Rain washes out opening days of second Test

Day 1

Only 12.2 overs were bowled as the rain in Gqeberha brought play to an early close.

The Proteas were on 20/2, with Marques Ackerman and Temba Bavuma at the crease.

Aiden Markram and David Bedingham both fell to a Scott Boland bowling masterclass.

Day 2

Rain continued to fall at St George’s Park, limiting play to a single session.

South Africa ended on 97/5, with Bavuma and Wiaan Mulder in the middle.

Boland continued his path of destruction, with Mitchell Starc also getting in on the action.

Day 3

With play finally going again, Bavuma anchored a massive scoring effort for the Proteas.

He was eventually dismissed by Starc for a captain’s innings of 179 runs.

South Africa declared late in the day on 425/9.

In reply, Australia ended the third day on 3/1 as Kagiso Rabada marked his return by claiming Nic Maddinson’s wicket.

Where the Test match stood at day 4

The opening sessions saw Rabada and Marco Jansen tear through the Australian lineup.

The Baggy Greens were dismissed for just 99 runs, forcing the follow-on.

Jansen was the pick of the Proteas bowling attack, claiming a five-wicket haul.

A major concern is Anrich Nortje, who left the match with a suspected groin injury.

According to ESPN Cricinfo, he played no further part in the second Test.

Australia’s second innings stood at 156/4 at close of play on day four.

Travis Head scored a crucial 87 runs and was the clear danger man.

The Proteas needed 6 wickets to seal a win in the unlikeliest of circumstances.

🚨 MATCH RESULT 🚨

What a phenomenal game, what an incredible display from #TheProteas! An absolutely heart-stopping performance! 🤩

Bavuma led the way with the bat, and our bowlers ran riot with the ball! 💪🔥#TheProteas level the series 1-1 with a comprehensive victory by… pic.twitter.com/E89Ki6tyIj

— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) October 22, 2026

Proteas vs Australia: How Day 5 played out

Rain once again threatened to spoil the action in Gqeberha.

The morning session was delayed from its initial 10:30 start due to a wet outfield.

Once play resumed, Head remained anchored, with Boland his unlikely partner in the middle.

He was eventually dismissed by Mulder for a stellar 121.

Boland’s heroic stand finally ended after 166 balls, leaving the tail-enders to make up a 70-run shortfall.

Alex Carey made a 37-run cameo at the end, but was ultimately the last man standing.

The Proteas bowled the visitors out for 295, sealing a win by an innings and 31 runs.

South Africa and Australia are now 1-1 in the Test series, ahead of the decider starting next week.

According to Cricket South Africa, the match will take place at Newlands in Cape Town from 27-31 October.

CAN THE PROTEAS WIN THE TEST SERIES AGAINST AUSTRALIA?

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