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Australia Wins the Toss and Decides to Bowl in the Second Cricket Test Against South Africa – WTOP News
Scott Boland took two wickets as rain limited play to 12.2 overs and left South Africa 20-2 after Australia chose to bowl.
On Thursday, October 22, 2026, Australia captain Pat Cummins enters the final day of the second Test at St George's Park in Gqeberha trailing South Africa by 170 runs, needing to bat through the remainder of the match to salvage a result.
After bowling Australia out for 99, South Africa captain Temba Bavuma enforced the follow-on, with bowler Marco Jansen's 5-33 performance dismantling the tourists' lineup in their first innings.
Australia batsman Travis Head remains unbeaten on 87, anchoring the team's rearguard effort, while former captain Steve Smith's availability remains uncertain as he battles a neck injury sustained on Wednesday.
Six wickets stand between South Africa and a series-leveling victory, forcing Australia's remaining batsmen to maintain their rearguard action against the Proteas' disciplined bowling attack.
Improved weather forecasts suggest better conditions for today's resumption, with play set to resume at St George's Park to decide the Test outcome.
Simon Harmer: South Africa’s Simon Harmer smashed 82 runs against Australia in second Test at St George’s Park, breaking Dale Steyn’s 18-year-old record for highest score by a South African batter at No. 9 or lower against Australia. Harmer also shared a crucial 183-run partnership with Temba Bavuma.