Marco Jansen becomes a key figure in the game as Proteas heavily pressures Australia

The Proteas team delivered an outstanding day of Test cricket at St George's Park, managing to turn a precarious position early on the third day into complete dominance over Australia. Resuming play with a score of 97/5 after two rain-interrupted days, the South Africans launched a relentless counterattack led by captain Temba Bavuma, who played a monumental career-best innings.

Following this, the Proteas concluded a dominant session, achieving immediate success with the new ball before dusk. This allowed South Africa to enter the fourth day confidently, completely changing the course of the match.

One of the main highlights was the impressive counterattacking performance of Marco Jansen. After the early dismissal of Vian Mulder, Marco Jansen joined Temba Bavuma and drastically changed the dynamic at St George's Park. This tall all-rounder scored 85 runs, hitting a half-century off 43 balls, which included seven fours and two sixes.

Jansen's aggressive play in partnership with the composed captain brought the Proteas back into contention before he was caught by Scott Boland, who secured a well-deserved five-wicket haul.

Leading by example under immense pressure, Proteas captain Temba Bavuma played a masterful century in the fifth Test, becoming the bedrock of South Africa's recovery. Overcoming the fatigue of marathon exertion and weathering Australia's aggressive short spells, Bavuma neutralized Pat Cummins with great composure, reaching his important milestone.

His steadfast effort lasted over six hours, earning him a standing ovation as he spearheaded his team's counterattack from a difficult situation.

Spinner Simon Harmer provided invaluable support in the middle order, scoring his maiden Test half-century, which intensified the frustration of the Australian side. In a crucial partnership with Bavuma for 183 runs off 277 balls, Harmer displayed remarkable calm against the second new ball, guiding Bo Weibster past dismissals to reach 50 runs off 116 deliveries.

He was eventually dismissed in a tenacious innings of 82 runs when Marnus Labuschagne got him out, preventing him from achieving a magnificent century.

Bavuma achieved his career-best Test score of 179 runs, surpassing his previous record of 172 against West Indies. Playing with grit and elegance, the captain propelled South Africa past 400 runs before ultimately nudging Mitchell Starc behind him, concluding a monumental innings.

Shortly after his departure, South Africa declared the innings at an impressive 425/9, leaving themselves two days to take 20 wickets to level the series ahead of the third Test in Cape Town.

After missing the ODI series and the first Test, Proteas were led by Kagiso Rabada, who provided a brilliant start with the new ball after South Africa declared late on the third day. In his very first over, Rabada forced Nick Maddinson to attack from the back foot, resulting in a touch that went straight into Harmer's hands for a slap for zero.

Rabada's early breakthrough put Australia at 0/1, forcing night watchman Scott Boland onto the field to navigate a tense final spell against the spin of Harmer and Aiden Markram as the light began to fade.

IOL is beginning to cover the second Test match between South Africa and Australia, which will take place at St George's Park. Viewers will receive timely updates on key moments from Gqeberha as the Proteas team strives to level the series.

IOL's senior cricket correspondent, Zahir Adams, is at the historic venue and will provide on-site analysis, while Rowan Callahan from IOL Sport will host the blog.

Match Preparation

In a preparatory report written by IOL sports editor Mairon Naiker, it is mentioned that in 2018, South Africa leveled the score with Australia at St George's Park thanks to an unbeaten 126 by AB de Villiers and a 11-meter catch by Kagiso Rabada.

After a tough defeat in Durban, where the team trailed 1-0, the Proteas return to a ground with a rich history of successful comebacks. The home side possesses significant energy, boosted by the St George's Park orchestra and the local fan base accustomed to the successes of the Eastern Cape Sunrisers team.

However, the tactics for the morning of the match will depend on coastal winds and possible rain. Rabada's return to lead the fast bowling attack lends immediate authority to the team.

The selection depends on weather conditions; decisions have not yet been made on whether to keep both Keshav Maharaj and Simon Harmer, or add a fast bowler or batsman. Matthew Britzke is listed among potential players, and Marcus Ackermann remains in the race for his Test debut.

Despite questions regarding the batting lineup, South Africa relies on its experience in major matches, including victories over India at home and over Australia at Lord's.

Proteas captain Temba Bavuma stated: 'When you are playing against a team that is ahead, you have to match that fight. We are confident that no matter what path we take, we will assemble a very competitive eleven.'

The Proteas team must focus on two key tasks to have a chance of saving the first Test against Australia, which is being played in Kingsmead: they need to hold their own with the bat and become significantly more decisive in the game with the ball.

Australia has a significant advantage after recovering from a score of 124/6 to 390, thanks to the outstanding contribution of Matt Renshaw (190 runs) and a record partnership at number nine with Nathan Lyon (134 runs). Following this, South Africa allowed themselves to fall behind by 106 runs in the first Test match, and by the end of the third day, Australia increased this lead to 139 runs.

The only consolation is the team's prior experience at this venue. In the WTC final at Lord's last year, the Proteas were trailing Australia by 74 runs after the first innings, and then the Australians increased their lead to 102 runs before losing the first wicket; history showed how that ended.

Despite the substantial differences in conditions between Durban and London, the team needs to rely on this past experience, knowing that they have handled difficulties before.

How to achieve success

IOL Sport expert Zachir Adam described exactly how the team can succeed. First—immediately break the opening partnership. Nothing will happen until South Africa gains momentum in Australia's second innings. Pakistani players Heinrich Northey, Marco Jansen, and Bian Mulder must secure early wickets on the fourth day to prevent Australia from 'winning' the match by wearing down the Proteas.

A lead of 139 runs is considered manageable, but a deficit of 250 runs or more could be fatal.

Second—avoid repeating the situation of Renshaw and Lyon's 'rescue'. The decisive moment of the match came when South Africa had Australia in a difficult position (124/6) before allowing them to recover to 390. Matt Renshaw's innings (190) and the record partnership with Nathan Lyon completely changed the course of the game. If Australia loses early wickets in this innings, the Proteas must remain resolute and finish the job, preventing such a rescue act from happening again.

Third—spinners Keshav Maharaj and Simon Harmer must perform. The Proteas selected two spinners not just for nothing. In an ideal scenario, they would like to play on the last day to win the match, but now they have to perform heroic feats on the fourth day to give the team a chance to save the Test.

Proteas batting coach Ashley Prince noted: 'We will see a few more spinners tomorrow. Perhaps some innovative field placements and we will put the ball in front of them so they come and play.'

Nathan Lyon demonstrated a model for them in Australia's first innings, and now it is time for them to make their contribution.

Fourth—bat patiently. When the Proteas come out to bat again, they should copy the plan presented by Renshaw. His 190 runs scored off 397 deliveries were an example of discipline, not dominance. South Africa's first task is to forget the deficit and simply occupy the crease. Australian bowlers succeeded through impatience, especially when the Proteas chased runs instead of relying on defense.

Prince explained: 'Some players are more aggressive than others. Some tend to chase shots more than others, and over a long period, they get rewarded for it. And sometimes, you know, it doesn't pay off.'

South Africa's batsmen need to adopt a patient approach: survive first, then score runs.

Fifth—turn resistance into confidence. The Proteas are current Test World Champions and have repeatedly shown resilience under pressure. They do not need to force things from the start. Every session segment survived and every wicket taken weakens Australia's control over the match. A couple of early wickets on the fourth day could change the mood in the South African dressing room and make Australia reconsider its plans for declaring the match.