“Hammering”: Australia cops “true beatdown” in South Africa

Despite noble resistance from Travis Head and Scott Boland, South Africa has levelled the series 1-1 after defeating Australia by an innings and 31 runs at St George’s Park in Gqeberha.

It took a little longer than expected, but South Africa took the six required wickets for victory after the opening session of the day was lost to rain.

Play did not commence until midday local time after an early tea break.

It didn’t come easy for the Proteas – they had to work hard and keep backing up in Anrich Nortje’s absence, but once Travis Head (121) was removed little by little the bowlers got on top.

Wiaan Mulder was the pick of the bowlers, removing Scott Boland (40 off 166) and Pat Cummins (4) in quick succession. “This is a masterclass of seam bowling from Wiaan Mulder,” said SEN Cricket’s Bharat Sundaresan.

With cloud closing in and the light towers turned on, Kagiso Rabada (4/77) bowled Mitch Starc (11) after a wild swing, and Marco Jansen got Josh Hazelwood (0) caught in the cordon to end it.

A true beatdown

Gerard Whateley summarised the moment: "It's a rampant victory from South Africa finished by their quicks. A stirring comeback here in Gqeberha, and it's a heavy, heavy defeat for Australia. A true beatdown."

Sundaresan added: “The momentum has shifted”. Simon Katich was straight to the point: “They have inflicted some serious wounds. They have absolutely done a number on Australia here. This is a hammering.”

It was an emphatic response from the hosts who kept at it all day to get the job done.

Who else but Scott Boland to keep the game alive?!

The nightwatchman showed typical grit, digging in to bring up his highest Test score of 40 whilst occupying the crease right across the day.

The long-term occupation came to a close with him having seen off 166 balls, a career-best with the bat that kept Australia hanging in across the day.

He will always give everything he has and that’s why we love him. Whateley reflected: “He has shown Australia a bit of technique and temperament, and a big of guts as well.”

Defiant century for Travis Head

Whilst occupying the crease was far more important than runs in the rescue mission, Head brought up his 13th Test century.

What made it important is it was his second outside of Australia, and his first outside of his homeland as an opener. At a time where reassurances are being sought, it does look like Head will stay at the top of the order whilst change is potentially made around him.

Whateley praised Head’s resilience: “Amidst the batting wreckage that beset Australia yesterday, Travis Head stands at the pillar of resistance.”

That resistance ended on 121 when he chopped on off Mulder in the 75th over.

Crocked Smudge unable to impact

Steve Smith was clearly still hampered by a neck issue but took his place at the crease once Head departed. He skied an ugly shot off Rabada once the new ball was taken with Matthew Breetzke taking the catch at mid-on.

Rabada won the battle once again but it wasn’t without a moment of light relief – replays showed South African captain Temba Bavuma looking away from the action as Breetzke approached the catch. The skipper couldn’t bring himself to watch, sending the SEN box into hysterics when they saw the vision!

The series goes down to the wire – what changes will there be?

Where better than Cape Town for the series to be decided!? Australia has the opportunity to exorcise any remaining demons of 2018 against a South African team that will have their tails up after this result.

South Africa will have to make at least one change with Nortje’s adductor injury, and who knows how many changes will come for the tourists.

Katich predicted at least “2-3 changes with the batting line-up” plus “the conversation around Nathan Lyon” as well as “the discussion around the all-rounder” position.

That will all be discussed and debated in the coming days. The stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to the series. It all starts Tuesday night on SEN Test Cricket.