Proteas Crush Australia by Innings and 31 Runs, Series Level 1-1

Gqeberha, October 22: South Africa produced a dominant performance to beat Australia by an innings and 31 runs in the second Test, held at St George's Park. The victory levels the three-match series 1-1.

South Africa captain Temba Bavuma was honoured as Player of the Match after scoring 179 runs. His innings played a central role in the result.

The series has now reached a deciding stage. The final Test will be played in Cape Town starting October 27.

Australia had begun the series strongly with a 214 run win in the first Test, following their 2-1 ODI series defeat. South Africa hit back in the second game.

After winning the toss and batting, South Africa struggled early and were 110 for 6. Bavuma and Marco Jansen then added 132 runs for the seventh wicket. Jansen scored 85, hitting three sixes and nine fours.

Bavuma then shared an eighth wicket partnership of 183 runs with Simon Harmer. South Africa declared on 425 for 9 in the first innings, after rain had interrupted the opening two days.

Boland's 5 for 81 and Starc's 3 wickets were Australia's main contributions with the ball.

Australia were dismissed for 99 in their first innings. Smith's 28 was the highest score, with Head and Labuschagne each making 14.

Jansen's 5 for 33 led the South African attack, and Rabada and Mulder took 2 wickets apiece.

South Africa's 326 run first innings lead meant Australia had to follow on. They scored 295 in their second innings.

Head made 121 runs with 15 fours, sharing a 92 run second wicket stand with Labuschagne, who made 39. Boland scored 40, and Carey remained unbeaten on 37.

Rabada's 4 wickets and Mulder's 3 wickets sealed a comprehensive victory for the hosts.