Australia's batting order crumbled to a shocking 99 all out on day four of the second Test against South Africa, triggering a follow-on and leaving the tourists needing at least 322 runs just to make the Proteas bat again. The collapse drew fierce criticism from a South African fast bowling great, who branded the Australian batters "gutless" for failing to show resilience when conditions became difficult.
With roughly a day and a half remaining in the match, South Africa hold a commanding position and are well placed to level the three-Test series at 1-1. Australia's total of 99 is their lowest against South Africa since they were bowled out for 85 in Hobart in 2016, a sobering benchmark that underlines just how badly the batting unit underperformed.
Rabada and Mulder the Chief Destroyers
Kagiso Rabada was central to the damage, removing key wickets and repeatedly testing the Australian batters with movement and pace. Mitchell Starc lasted just four balls, edging a wide delivery through to the keeper. Nic Maddinson, whose place in the side is under scrutiny, got off the mark with a pleasing square drive before Rabada responded with a seaming delivery that beat the bat, and Maddinson ultimately edged behind to the keeper, dismissed by Rabada for the second time in as many innings.
Wiaan Mulder also played a decisive role, producing a delivery that nipped back sharply to hit Steve Smith's off-stump and end his determined resistance. Smith had battled hard for his 28 runs off 84 balls in conditions that made every run a hard-earned commodity. Beau Webster was another to fall to the short-pitched approach, nicking a rising delivery from Marco Jansen to the slip cordon, where Aiden Markram held a sharp catch. South Africa's fielding throughout was sharp, with the Proteas taking their chances cleanly all day.
Pat Cummins was caught to close the innings, confirming a first innings total that shocked Australian cricket supporters and left the team's bowlers with plenty to ponder.
'Gutless': Former Proteas Great Fires Up Over Batting Collapse
Former South Africa fast bowler Vernon Philander, who claimed 224 Test wickets at an average of 22.32 during his career, did not hold back when assessing the Australian top order's performance. Speaking on radio, Philander said the display was "gutless" and argued that Australia's specialist bowlers, including Cummins, Starc and Josh Hazlewood, would have every right to be furious at the batting group for not digging in when the match demanded it.
The criticism sharpens the focus on the futures of some of those in Australia's middle order. With Maddinson dismissed twice in the match by Rabada without making a meaningful contribution, and Marnus Labuschagne also struggling for form, questions are mounting over whether both players are batting for their Test places.
Smith Milestone Amid the Ruins
One positive note for Australia came before Smith's eventual dismissal. The veteran batter passed 11,000 Test runs during his time at the crease, becoming just the 12th player in history and only the third Australian to reach the mark, joining Allan Border and Ricky Ponting in that exclusive company. It was a milestone worthy of celebration, though the circumstances around it provided little cause for broader satisfaction in the Australian camp.
Smith's gritty contribution stood out precisely because so few of his teammates were willing or able to match it. The contrast between his application and the rest of the batting lineup's fragility was stark and will fuel debate about the make-up of Australia's Test squad going forward. You can read more about Smith's recent Test exploits in our coverage of his record-setting performances earlier in the series.
What Happens Next: Follow-On and a Day and a Half to Play
South Africa's decision on whether to enforce the follow-on carries its own complexity. The Proteas are a bowler down, which will place extra demands on those who have already worked hard through Australia's first innings. Nevertheless, Temba Bavuma's team has the match firmly in their control, and with time still available in the contest they hold all the cards. South Africa's dominant position in this Test was built on Bavuma's century earlier in the match, which put the Proteas in the driver's seat from which they have not looked back.
For Australia, the second innings began with 0 for 4 on the board and the knowledge that they need at least 322 runs to avoid an innings defeat, with Rabada again marking Maddinson's card early. The broader series context, with Australia having won the first Test by 214 runs, means they are still in a position to retain the series lead, but another wicket-laden collapse in the second dig would see South Africa draw level and set up a winner-take-all finale.
Meanwhile, Sam Konstas provided a rare bright spot in Australian cricket on the same day, scoring an unbeaten 151 for Western Australia as the national batting stocks showed some promise at the domestic level, even as the Test side struggled to come to grips with a demanding South African attack.
