दक्षिण अफ्रीका vs ऑस्ट्रेलिया, दूसरा टेस्ट Commentary, Live Updates

Test cricket, you beautiful thing - Two days into this Test, a South Africa win seemed the least likely of the possible outcomes, and it looked like Australia's game to lose. And lose they did. The Proteas showed why they are the current holders of the WTC mace, pulling off a remarkable turnaround to level the series. The two teams now head to Cape Town for the decider, where the infamous 'Sandpapergate' unfolded in 2018. The third Test begins on Tuesday, 27th October, and we hope the crowd turns up in full voice for what promises to be a cracking contest. The first ball will be bowled at 8.30 am GMT, but as always, we will be here nice and early for the build-up. Until then, take care and goodbye!

The skipper of Australia - Pat Cummins reflects on the defeat. Mentions that they did show some good fight with the bat, singling out the way Head and Boland resisted for a good period of time. He admits that Australia were a long way away from their best. Adds that while everyone contributed in the previous week despite a slow start in Durban, Cummins feels not enough players stood up across the board this time. Cummins defends Australia's team balance, saying they are fortunate to have plenty of all-rounders to call upon and does not see it as an issue. He points to Boland and Head's innings as the blueprint, stressing the need to weather the storm against quality bowlers while knowing that runs are available. With the series level at 1-1, Cummins says Australia have a few days to assess where things went wrong, adding that the pitch was good and that the match mirrored last week's contest, with one side seizing early wickets and suffocating the other.

PLAYER OF THE MATCH - The captain of South Africa, Temba Bavuma, takes home the award for his phenomenal knock of 179 to pull his side out of trouble. When asked how his heart rate is, he says it is settled now and jokes that the weather also wanted to have a say in the game. Shares that the team were scrambling in the change room as they waited for the weather to clear and were excited at the prospect of getting back on the field. He rates his knock among his best, pointing out that batting was difficult throughout the match. He takes a lot of pride in the effort and says it will give him plenty of confidence, but adds that there is still one Test to go and he will allow himself to soak it all in once the series is over. He also praises the contributions of Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen, and Wiaan Mulder across this Test. Bavuma hopes those performances continue to get better and better. He says the key was to stay in the moment, whether that meant extending their time at the crease by another hour or another session, and being ruthless when the opportunity came. Mentions that they pride themselves on playing good, old-fashioned Test cricket and wearing the opposition down. On Nortje's absence, he admits it is a big loss given the extra dimension he brings to the attack. In hindsight, he feels they took a risk by playing him in back-to-back games. However, he is confident they have options available and says they will make a decision when they head to Cape Town.

Time for the presentation ceremony...

Damage done in the first dig - The Proteas quicks were all over Australia in their first innings, and the tourists did themselves no favours with their shot selection. Jansen picked up a five-wicket haul, stepping up at a time when Anrich Nortje was sidelined with a groin issue. South Africa secured a massive 326-run lead and asked Australia to follow on. The tourists showed a lot more fight in their second innings, led by Travis Head, who made the most of being dropped on 5 by Jansen to score his second Test century away from home. Rain delayed the start on the final day, and Head and nightwatchman Scott Boland made South Africa work hard, with Boland facing 166 balls. But once Wiaan Mulder breached Boland's defence, the Proteas were able to finish the job and level the series.

How it all started - It was a wet start to the Test, with two rain-affected days allowing only 43 overs to be bowled. Things got off to a troublesome start for the hosts after they were asked to bat first. Brought in at the expense of Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland made most of the early inroads to leave the Proteas in all sorts of trouble at 110/6 and went on to pick up a five-wicket haul. Temba Bavuma held it all together, and his career-best 179 helped South Africa put together a solid recovery. The tide began to turn through Marco Jansen's counterpunch before a record 8th-wicket stand of 183 between Bavuma and Simon Harmer helped South Africa recover further.

South Africa level the series - Who would have thought the Proteas would win this game, let alone by an innings, after being 110/6 in their first innings? Australia were in a similar position in Durban, but managed to turn things around and register a big win. This time, here in Gqeberha, they found themselves on the receiving end. The Aussies showed plenty of fight in the second innings, but being bowled out for 99 in the first dig left them with too much to do. It all sets up a mouthwatering decider in Cape Town next week.

OUT! EDGED AND CAUGHT! And fittingly, it is Marco Jansen who delivers the final blow. A famous, famous win for South Africa, one they will savour for a long time to come. Jansen offers width outside off with a back-of-a-length delivery at 130.2 kmph. Hazlewood backs away, looking to carve it over the off side, exposing his stumps in the process. He gets a massive outside edge, and Aiden Markram snaps up a sharp catch at second slip with a reverse cup over his head. South Africa beat Australia by an innings and 31 runs! Handshakes all round and beaming smiles from the South Africans who managed to get the final few wickets with the gloom circling. The clouds certainly added a layer of anxiety, but Rabada and Jansen got the job done.

FOUR! Shot! On a length, outside the off stump. Carey lets his hands through and lofts it over the top of extra cover for a boundary. But it will be Hazlewood on strike in the next over.

A ball pitched short of a good length on middle stump, nips back in a touch. Carey looks to work it to the leg side but misses the inside edge, with the delivery thudding into his back pad. Hazlewood is quick to set off, but Carey turns him back when he is already halfway down the pitch.

Too full, aiming for the yorker, Carey shovels it to mid on.

On top of off, on a length, Carey punches it to the off side.

Rapid pace, full on the stumps, Carey goes for a flick but inside edges on the pads.

Full on the stumps, clipped down to mid on.

DRINKS BREAK! Adding to the drama, it's time for a breather. With the finish line in sight, it's easy to go searching for that last wicket, but Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen will know better than most that this is the time to keep it simple and stay patient. Australia are now down to their final wicket and hoping against hope, with all their hopes resting on Alex Carey, who will look to farm the strike and keep the fight going.

Had the throw hit, that would have been curtains for Australia! Length-delivery, outside off, Carey hangs back and steers it to the backward point region and sets off for a single to retain the strike in the next over. But Marques Ackerman is close by and picks the ball up and throws in a motion. However, his throw goes off the radar at the batting end and rolls to square leg. Hazlewood had already given up. If Ackerman had taken a second or two before throwing, that would have sent Hazlewood packing.

Attacks the off stump on a good length, Carey alertly blocks it to the off side.

Full and straight, on off, 134.1 kph. Alex Carey is sucked on the front foot to defend, but it goes off the outside half and rolls to deep third.

Hammered hard into the pitch, at the pads. Carey steers it to the square leg region.

A sharp bouncer outside off, Carey is not interested to play at that.

That bail-trimming length, on off, Carey trusts the bounce and leaves.

Temba Bavuma does not want to take any chances with a big cloud looming overhead. He brings back Marco Jansen.

Good-length delivery around off. Hazlewood blocks it to cover.

A rash shot from Mitchell Starc, and one that was completely uncalled for in this situation. Josh Hazlewood is the last man in.

OUT! BOWLED'EM! A ripper of a delivery by Rabada, and he gets his fourth. He is back, and how! After hitting a couple on a length, Rabada cannons it full on the stumps. Mitchell Starc does not move his feet and swings down the wrong line. Hears the death rattle as the ball disturbs the leg stump, with bails flying in either direction. Lovely sight for any fast bowler, and Rabada is engulfed by his teammates. Australia are 290/9, trailing by 36 runs. The South Africans are delighted, and why not? They are just one wicket away from a famous win.

A bit more effort on this ball from Rabada. Hits the length hard, angling down the leg side. Starc misses the glance to the keeper.

Length-delivery, on off, Starc knocks it to short cover.

Back of a length, on off, punched to cover.

A whisker! Rabada steams in from around the stump and lands it just outside the off stump. It keeps angling in but Starc makes a very risky leave as it whistles over the woodwork.

Kagiso Rabada is back. St George's Park is bathing in sunshine, but a big grey cloud is closing in, and the ground staff are moving towards the covers.

A wee bit short and outside off, holding its line. Carey lets it through.

Sliding in with the arm, full in length, Alex clips it through mid-wicket and they hustle back for the second.

On the stumps and full, Carey pushes it to mid on.

Landed around off, on a good length, Carey punches it to the right of the bowler.

FOUR! Helped away! Quicker onto the pads, on a length. Carey hangs back and tickles it to the right of the leg slip fielder for a boundary. The deficit is now 38 for Australia.

Around the wicket, a length ball angles into Carey's pads. He rocks back, trying to tuck it away but misses, taking one on the back pad as it slides down the leg side. There is a mild appeal, but the umpire is unmoved.

Stump-to-stump line on a good length, angling in. Starc watches it closely and knocks it back to the bowler.

Pitched full and on off, Starc defends it with a straight bat to mid on.

Back of a length, in the channel, fended off the back foot to the off side.

An inswinger, pitches on a length, Alex steps down the track looking to glance but misses, and the ball deflects off his front pad towards short fine leg for a leg bye.

Beauty! Pitched full and around the off stump, enticing the batter to play at it. Starc draws his front foot forward to defend, but the ball straightens to zip past the outside edge.

Short of a good length at the off stump. Carey blocks off the back foot.

Floated up, outside off. Starc presses forward and laces it to the left of deep cover for a couple of runs.

Too full on off, Carey goes for the reverse again but gets a bit of a top edge. Luckily for him, it lands out of reach of Rabada at short third. One run taken.

FOUR! Gets it through! Low full toss, outside off, Carey reverse sweeps it into the gap, wide of short third for a boundary.

Tossed up at the middle stump, drifts in. Carey eases it to mid on.

Huge shout for LBW, but not given. Bat involved? Looks like it as the men around the bat are not quite convinced. The in-dipper, full and drifting into the batter. Alex Carey employs the reverse sweep but yorks himself in the process. Gets a bit of an inside edge before the ball strikes his front pad.

Full and outside off, spinning away, Carey leaves it alone.

It's sunny at the moment, although there are some grey clouds gathering over one part of the ground. Nothing too concerning just yet, though.

Cuts back in sharply with a bit of bounce, on a good length. Starc is completely cramped for room as he looks to play at it. The ball beats his inside edge and thuds on the thigh pad.

Attacks the stumps at 129.3 kph, full in length, Starc watchfully defends it out.

Outside off on a good length, Starc stays still, goes chasing after it and gets beaten on the outside edge.

FOUR! Lovely stroke! Just a bit too full and outside off, Mitchell Starc with barely any foot movement, hits it through the line, just checking his drive, and it goes through the gap between cover and mid off for a boundary.

Skiddy delivery onto the pads. Starc hangs back and nudges it to short mid-wicket.

Nagging length, angling in, outside off, Starc stands still in the crease and loosely pokes at it. The ball nips away and beats his bat.

Pitched a bit short and outside off, Carey leaves it alone as it grips away.

The length is dragged back, on off, Starc backs away and cuts it hard to widish extra cover for a single.

Bit more dip and turn, 80.3 kph, full around off, Starc lunges and keeps it out safely.

Tossed up full, on off, 81.9 kph. Starc leans on and smothers the spin.

A bit full on off, Carey drives it inside out through cover for a single.

Too full on middle, Carey hits it on the bounce to forward short leg. The ball deflects off the fielder's left shin and rolls back on the pitch.

Keeps honing in the channel, on a length. Starc has a feel for it initially, but drags his bat inside the line to let it nestle into the keeper's glove.

Tight line on the off stump, on a length, Starc hangs back and defends it to cover-point.

Back of a length, outside off, Carey rides the bounce and steers it to deep point for a single.

Nip-backer on a good length, completely cramps Starc for room. He dangles his bat out at an angle but gets an inside edge past the leg stump. It trickles to deep fine leg for a single.

The inswinger now, on a length at the pads. Starc whips it away through mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

Back of a length, swinging away sharply, outside off. Starc manages to withdraw his bat inside the line to leave.

Not in control but safe. Fired in on a length, on off. Carey gets low for the reverse sweep and goes hard at it. He cannot roll his wrists over the ball to control the shot. It goes more off the top edge but well away from the reach of Kagiso Rabada at backward point to his right. Rabada gives chase and hauls it in. Two runs taken. Australia trail by 60 runs.

Hangs it up, full and on off. Starc strokes it to deep cover for a run.

Floated up, on off. Starc knocks it to cover.

Fractionally short, on off. Starc hangs back and play it square towards point. Two fielders converge to cut down the single.

Very full, on the off stump. Starc digs it out towards point.

Flighted up, on off. Carey pushes it down towards long off for a single.

Oh, another beauty! Hits the length, outside off stump, straightens away after pitching. Starc dangles the bat away from his body and is beaten on the outside edge by just a few centimeters.

It's Mulder again. Three massive wickets to his name now. What a Test match he is having in Gqeberha! South Africa are now a pebble's throw away from a very famous win. Mitchell Starc is in at number 10. Two slips in place and a gully.

OUT! TIMBER! Wiaan Mulder is producing a masterclass of seam bowling with the second new ball. Pat Cummins can't put up much resistance as South Africa inch closer to a win. Mulder hurls it on a good length, in and around the off stump. Cummins plays for the ball that nips back in and presents a straight bat to cover the line. The ball straightens off the deck to go past the outside edge and clatters into the top of the off pole.

Fuller and it is the nip-backer, on middle. Cummins brings his bat out in front to block it off.

Does not carry! Honing in on the off stump, on a good length. Cummins stays beside the line as he looks to play the line. He defends it with soft hands and the outside edges down to the slip cordon.

Oh, that could have gone anywhere. Angled in from around the wicket, on middle. Carey pushes at the ball off the front foot. Ekes out an inside edge onto the pads and it pops up but lands safely in the vacant square leg region. Just a single.

Bowled on a back of a length, on off. Carey rises on his toes and stabs it down on the off side.

FOUR! Off the edge. Pushed across the right-hander, a bit on the shorter side. Cummins rocks onto the back foot and fiddles at the ball. Gets an outside edge that stays away from the reach of the slip fielder and races down towards the fence.

Drawing the batter forward with a fuller ball. Cummins smothers the spin watchfully.

Fractionally short, on middle. Cummins hangs back to stab it down.

Tossed up, on off. Pat lunges across to block.

Flighted up, on off. Cummins knocks it to mid off.

At the hips, that is flicked off the back foot to deep square leg for a run.

A loooooooong vigil from the big Victorian comes to an end. He is applauded by his teammates for his marathon effort with the bat. Fair to say, that was too good a delivery for any batter. Skipper Pat Cummins arrives to the crease at number 9.

OUT! CLEANED HIM UP! It was going to take something special to get through Scott Boland's defence, and Wiaan Mulder has produced just that for South Africa. Much like the delivery that dismissed Steve Smith in the first innings with the keeper up to the stumps. A seam-up delivery on a good length, around the fourth stump. Boland could have stayed back and got behind the line to keep this one out, but instead, he presses across with his front foot and hangs his bat out to cover the line. The ball nips back in sharply, goes past the inside edge and sneaks through the gap between bat and pad before crashing into the stumps. Australia are now 7 down for 256, trailing by 70 runs.

Edgy! Coming back into the left-hander, on a good length, on off. Carey does not account for the seam movement as he pushes at the ball by leaning across. Ekes out an inside edge and it dribbles behind square leg for one. Australia trail by 70 runs.

Ryan Rickelton comes up to the stumps. This straightens off the deck, on a good length, around off. Carey angles it to point.

Nipping back a bit, on a short of a length. Carey defends it from the crease.

Drags the length back, on middle. Carey pushes it off the back foot to mid on.

Bowled by going wide on the crease, on a good length, on off. Carey leans forward to tap it down the deck.

This is pushed through, on off. Boland looks to block it out but gets it off the outer half to backward point.

A bit of air given, on middle. Boland is solid in defense.

Shorter and around off. Scott waits back to defend.

Stays around the wicket for the right-hander, full and drifts across the right-hander. Boland eases it to mid off.

Around leg, on a length. Carey helps it away with the angle towards deep fine leg for one.

Flighted up, attacking the front pad, Carey lunges to dead bat it.

Hits the back of a length, on middle. Boland hangs back to keep it out.

Length delivery, keeping the stumps in play. Boland presents a straight bat and blocks it out.

At 128.1 kph, landing on a good length, just outside the off stump. Scott leaves it all alone.

This hoops back in, on a nagging length, on top of off. Boland gets his bat in line with the ball and stabs it down.

Moving away a bit, on a good length. Boland leans across and dabs it down beside the strip on the off side.

Stays full, on off. Scott drives it to cover with minimal footwork.

Starts nice and full, does Mulder at the sticks. Boland knocks it back to the bowler. Oh, a false start by Wiaan as he has overstepped. No Ball called.

Welcome back for the third and final session of Day 5 and this Test match as well. South Africa need four more wickets to level the series. For Australia, it is no longer about scoring, only about survival. For how long can they hold on is the question. It's bright and sunny in Gqeberha at the moment as the umpires and players punctually make their way to the middle. Alex Carey and Scott Boland walk out to resume their partnership and it will be Wiaan Mulder to get the session underway with the ball. Off we go again...

... FINAL SESSION ...

Into the final session we go - South Africa have had their claws into this contest, but Boland has dug in admirably at one end with robust defensive skills. There are as many as 44 overs left in the match, though fading light may intervene before then. If Australia can dig in for another hour and a half, they might just escape with a draw. South Africa, meanwhile, need four more wickets to level the series and send it to a decider in Cape Town. Every delivery now carries the weight of a series. So let's hope that the last lap of this match is a gripping one. The post-Tea session is expected to begin at 12.50 pm GMT. So join us then.

Proteas keep making inroads - Travis Head was the thorn South Africa could not shake off. After surviving a few nervy moments, he converted his start into a gritty century, anchoring Australia's innings and finding a willing ally in Scott Boland at the other end. Just when Australia seemed to be rebuilding, Wiaan Mulder found a way through. Head's dismissal opened the floodgates, and Steve Smith followed soon after. These two quick gut-punches left the tourists reeling from 209 for 4 to 225 for 6.

12.35 pm GMT - Tea on Day 5 - Another gripping session has ticked by in this Gqeberha Test and we are down to one last session of play now. 38 overs bowled, 98 runs added, with a couple of wickets falling. South Africa are inching closer to a win, but the finish line is still a bit blurry as they have a couple of big wickets to be taken care of. Australia will fight for every ball to make the hosts earn every inch of it in the final session.

Full and pushed through, on middle. Carey defends with the bat close to the front pad. That will be Tea on Day 5.

FOUR! Cleverly played. A little too straight, sliding onto the pads. Carey reaches out in front and gets low to lap it down to the deep fine leg fence.

Fired in on off, on a length. Carey plays the reverse sweep to backward point.

Beaten! Nicely slowed down, full and on off. Carey is drawn forward. It drops on the batter and rips past the outside edge.

Darted in at the pads, on a length. Alex works it with the angle to backward square leg.

Drops it short, on off. Carey gets on top of the bounce and punches it to cover.

A minute left on the clock. So this should be the last over of the session.

Fuller and on the off stump. Boland presses half-forward to defend.

A bumper, but down leg. Boland ducks under it.

Switches to over the wicket and this is pushed across the right-hander, on a good length. Boland has a feel for the ball before he withdraws his bat.

Just outside the off stump, on a short of a length. Boland guides it with an open bat face to point.

Bashes the deck hard, over middle. Boland rises with the bounce to fend it down.

In the channel, bowled on a length. Carey gets onto the front foot and pushes it wide of cover for a run.

Slows it down, keeps it full, on middle. Boland gets forward to smother the spin.

Attacking the front pad, Scott brings his bat out in front to stab it down.

Sliding across the off stump, on a length. Scott lunges and knocks it to the left of mid off for a couple of runs. Australia now trail by 78 runs.

Nearly dragged it back onto the stumps. This goes on with the arm, not all that short, on off. Carey presses back and plays for the turn. Gets an inside edge and it sneaks past the leg stump before rolling behind for a single.

Tossed up at 85.2 kph, slightly fuller, turning away, on off. Carey makes a watchful leave.

A bit of turn, fractionally short, on off. Carey taps it to cover-point.

Slanted in on a good length, on middle. Boland gets behind it to defend.

A bit fuller, in line with the off pole. Boland leans across and pushes it to cover.

Keeps it in and around the off stump, on a nagging length. Scott angles it to backward point.

So close! Angled in on top of off and this is bowled by going wide on the crease. Boland stays leg side of the ball to keep it out. The ball straightens off the deck to go past the outside edge and the bounce that Jansen generates results in the ball going over the sticks.

Offers a bit of width, on a back of a length. Carey punches it to deep point for one.

Into the deck, on off. Alex hangs back to defend.

Marco Jansen (14-3-31-0) replaces Kagiso Rabada.

On a length, on middle and leg. Boland gets a good stride in and works it to mid-wicket.

Flighted up, on middle. Boland lunges for the block.

Pushed through at 90.1 kph, short and on middle. Boland presses back to stab it down.

Drops it short, on off. Carey uses the depth of the crease to nudge it wide of mid-wicket for a single.

Hangs it up there, full and outside the off stump. Carey is drawn forward and gets it off the outer half to backward point.

Drifting in from around the wicket, full and at the stumps. Carey defends with the bat close to the front pad.

Short and outside off, Boland arches back and cuts it over backward point for a couple of runs as Ackerman hunts it down in the outfield.

Lands it full and outside the off stump. Carey gets on the front foot and slices it uppishly, on the bounce to deep backward point for a single.

Lasers it full on the middle stump. Carey presents a straight bat and drives it down the ground. Rabada sticks his left hand out and makes a half-stop as the ball deflects to mid off.

Full, straight, around off, Carey stretches forward and blocks.

Back of a length, on middle, tucked from the crease to short mid-wicket.

Oh, this one pops up from a good length, on top of off. Alex stands on his toes to ride the bounce but the ball rams onto his left glove and rolls to the off side behind square.

Length ball that spins into the batter, Boland watchfully defends.

Slightly short and on the stumps, Boland hangs deep inside the crease and blocks.

Nice and full, on middle, turning in, Scott tucks it to the leg side, beside forward short leg.

Full ball, on the leg stump, clipped with soft hands towards backward square leg.

Marques Ackerman comes in close at silly point.

Pitched full and spinning in, Boland lunges and taps it to the left of forward short leg.

Short and drifting in from around the stump, this is nudged gently to widish mid-wicket for a single.

Spin back on through Simon Harmer. 29-8-59-2 so far for Harmer.

Length ball outside off stump, Boland waits back, and with an open bat face, he drops it to the right of gully.

A skiddy delivery, touch full and nipping in around off. Boland attempts the cover drive but the ball stays low, and sneaks past the inside edge.

Short of a length, outside off, Boland hops off and dabs it to the point region. Rabada has overstepped here and it's called a No Ball.

Scott Boland pulls away very late, just as Kagiso Rabada is in his delivery stride. Boland raises a hand in apology.

Spears it full on off, Carey prods in front to drive away but gets a faint inside edge on the pads and it deflects between point and gully for a single.

Another full ball, on the stumps, Carey flicks it to short mid-wicket.

Fuller in length, on off, angling in, Carey pushes it down to mid on.

Around the stumps, short in length, outside off, dabbed off the back foot to point.

FOUR! Boland is having a bit of fun out there! Width on offer again, short and begging to be hit, and this time he makes proper contact. He slaps it hard past point, leaving the fielder with no chance as the ball races away to the boundary.

Drifting down the leg side, on a good length, Scott attempts to glance but misses.

Around off, on a shortish length, again Boland covers the line and defends.

Jansen comes from round the wicket and angles in a length ball around off, Boland blocks from the back foot.

EDGY FOUR! Boland throws his hands at a short ball offering width outside off, looking to slash it square, but the outside edge takes over. The ball flies over the slip cordon and races away to the fence. Not quite where he intended!

Back of a length around off, angling away from Scott Boland. He gets onto the back foot and pushes at it, but the ball sneaks past the outside edge.

Too full in length and outside off, Boland is forward to meet the ball and caresses it through covers, for three runs.

In the channel outside off, Boland pushes inside the line, trying to cut, and misses.

Back of a length, around off and middle, Boland gets back and blocks it to the leg side.

Fullish and outside off, pushed to covers for one.

In the channel outside off, Carey allows it through.

Alex Carey is the next batter, with Australia trailing by 101 runs.

OUT! CAUGHT! Rabada has hunted down Steve Smith, and South Africa have landed a massive blow! A short ball outside off tempts Smith into an ambitious pull, but he reaches for it from too wide and fails to find the middle. The top edge balloons towards mid-wicket, where Matthew Breetzke backpedals, fumbles the first attempt, but clings on at the second go. Rabada roars in delight, and the South Africans erupt around him. Given the match situation, this is a huge breakthrough, with Smith's wicket leaving Australia in deeper trouble.

A fraction short around off, and Scott Boland stays back, waits for the ball to arrive and brings the bat down late. He keeps it under control, dropping it safely into the off side. Another watchful bit of work from the nightwatchman.

Back of a length, around middle, Boland jumps and defends it down.

Shortish and outside off, Scott Boland stays back to cut but misses.

A beauty from Jansen! On a good length around middle, the ball grips and seams away just enough to catch Scott Boland on the wrong line. He brings his bat down in defense, but the movement takes it past the outside edge.

A touch short around leg, with extra bounce to hurry Scott Boland. He fends it away towards square leg, doing just enough to keep the ball down. A run briefly looks possible, but Boland is sent back in time. No risks taken.

Back of a length, around leg, Smith gets back and glances it down to deep fine for a run.

Marco Jansen is ready to share the second new ball from the other end.

Angling into middle, the length delivery is met with a straight bat as Scott Boland gets behind the line and keeps it out safely. Solid defense, with no room for the ball to sneak through.

Fullish and on middle, it's driven down to mid on.

An outswinger, on a length around off, Boland pushes at it and misses.

FOUR! Sweetly struck by the nightwatchman! Full around off and angling in, Scott Boland presents the full face of the bat and times the drive to perfection. The ball races past mid off before anyone can get across. Boland is making this vigil look increasingly assured. Moves to 25, his highest Test score.

Lands it on a length outside off, shaping away, Boland feels for it inside the line and misses.

Rabada takes the second new ball and starts short, angling it outside off. Steve Smith rocks back and opens the face to steer it through point, picking up a single.

Second new ball is available now. South Africa take it immediately. In comes Kagiso Rabada, 2/59 in his 17 overs so far.

Loopy and full, around off, Scott lunges and defends it to the off side.

Shortish and on middle, Boland goes on the back foot and defends it towards short leg.

Scott Boland gets a rare scoring opportunity! Harmer comes around the wicket and floats it full outside off. Boland leans into the drive, threading it past silly point and into the gap. They have enough time to come back for two.

Flighted full on middle, Scott Boland presses forward with firm hands, but the ball catches the inside half of the bat and rolls away towards mid-wicket. A slightly untidy contact, though he keeps it along the ground.

Flatter through the air, short and on off, Scott goes on the back foot and defends.

A little more flight, full and outside off. Scott Boland comes forward and meets it with a watchful front-foot defense, keeping the ball safely on the ground.

With the keeper back in his usual position, Mulder offers a length delivery outside off. Steve Smith judges the line comfortably and lets it pass through to the keeper.

Full and straight, Mulder keeps Smith pinned to the crease with a delivery that demands a response. Smith gets forward and drives firmly, but straight back to the bowler.

A solid length around off, and Steve Smith gets right behind the line to shut it down with a compact defense. No room offered, no risks taken.

Full and on off, Steve Smith leans into the drive and sends it straight back down the pitch. Mulder gathers the ball and playfully mimics a throw towards the batter.

On a length around middle, Smith gets his body behind the line and meets it with a compact defensive stroke, keeping the ball on the leg side. A watchful response as he settles in.

Bowls it full and on middle, Smith brings a straight bat down and bunts it to mid on.

Fuller and on middle, worked away through square leg for a single. Smith is off the mark!

Drifting down leg, the ball brushes past Smith's pads as he looks to work it away. It runs down to deep fine leg, and the batters come back for two. Leg byes are signalled, with no runs credited to Smith.

Quicker and fuller, on middle, Smith flicks it past short leg but finds square leg.

Extra loop, on middle, it's turned in the gap on the leg side for a run.

Fuller and on off, that is defended solidly off the front foot.

Silly point in to accompany short leg, slip and leg slip.

Loopy and full, around off, Boland is on the front foot in defense.

Serves it on a length outside off, the batter shoulders arms to let that one through.

Fuller and on off, Smith is forward as he pushes it away to covers.

Fuller in length and on middle, defended back to the bowler.

DROPPED! A tough chance for Ryan Rickelton, who is standing up to the stumps. Wiaan Mulder lands it on a length close to off and gets the ball to straighten. Steve Smith presses back to defend, but it takes the edge and flies behind. Rickelton has barely any time to react and cannot hold on. A lucky escape for Smith, who immediately asks for a change of bat.

Gets behind the line of the delivery and blocks.

Fuller and on off, Smith drives off the front foot to mid off.

Gripping and spinning down leg, Boland fails to flick and it goes off his pads to short leg.

Floated around off, that is defended solidly off the front foot.

Flighted and full, around middle, Boland defends it off the front foot. That's 100 balls faced by Scott Boland.

Tossed up on middle, defended towards short leg.

No run, the batter has just blocked that from the crease.

No run, just a mere push. But no space for a run.

No run, a gentle push by the batter and it goes to mid off. End of a successful over for South Africa.

FOUR BYES! That has caught Ryan Rickelton by surprise! A short ball around off, and Steve Smith ducks underneath it, but with the keeper standing up to the stumps, there is precious little time to react. The ball flies past Ryan and races away to the boundary behind him.

Steve Smith has walked out to bat with Australia trailing by 117 runs.

OUT! SOUND OF TIMBER! Wiaan Mulder has the breakthrough, and he celebrates with unrestrained joy! Charging in from around the wicket, he goes wide of the crease and delivers a slightly short ball on off. It skids through with extra lift, catching Travis Head on his toes, cramping him for room, as he tries to defend. The ball strikes the upper half of the bat, drops sharply and trickles back onto the stumps. A magnificent innings from Head comes to an end, but South Africa have found an opening with the second new ball looming.

FOUR! Pure timing from Travis Head! Full on middle and angling in, he presents the full face of the bat and relies on placement rather than power. The ball races straight down the ground, beats mid-on and rolls away to the boundary. Effortless strokeplay from the centurion.

Slightly short and on off, Head punches it from the back foot, straight to covers.

Pitches it up and on off, Head drives it down to mid off.

Drinks break. Australia have made an excellent start to the session, negotiating 20 overs with little trouble and showing far greater resolve. Scott Boland, in particular, has been positive, offering his side a much-needed glimmer of hope. Travis Head has brought up his century, a fine achievement, but the bigger story for Australia is the time they have spent at the crease. Head and Boland have faced 158 balls between them, and that resistance could prove crucial. South Africa may now be eyeing the second new ball, just six overs away. The next hour promises a fascinating contest, with the Proteas looking for a breakthrough and Australia determined to keep hanging in there.

A touch short, on off, Head gets back and hits it wide of mid on for a run.

Slower through the air, drifting in, Head gets forward and defends it.

Flighted, short and outside off, Head makes a leave.

Skidding in from around off, a touch short, Head goes back and blocks it at the last moment.

Floated and full, on off, Head defends it towards point.

Fuller and on off, the batter has just watchfully blocked this out.

With the keeper standing up to the stumps, the line is tight on the stumps. Boland stays back and gets his bat down in time, defending the length delivery safely.

Fuller in length, around off, Boland is forward and solid in his defensive approach.

A fraction short on middle, and Travis Head works the angle to his advantage, staying back and tucking it neatly behind square on the leg side. The ball rolls down to deep fine leg, allowing him to rotate the strike with a single.

Back of a length, on off, Head punches off the back foot but straight to mid off.

On middle, a length ball, Head defends it off the back foot.

Short and wide outside off, staying low, Head goes to cut but bottom-edges it. It heads towards gully, on one bounce.

Short and outside off, Boland cuts but finds the point fielder.

Fullish and on middle, knocked down to mid on.

Fuller and on middle, defended off the front foot.

A loud appeal for bat-pad, but the umpire is unmoved! Tossed up full on middle, Scott Boland presses forward in defense but misses, and the ball deflects off his pads towards short leg. The fielder completes the catch and South Africa go up in unison, but the finger stays down. They opt against the review, and the replays confirm there was no bat involved. Play goes on.

Flatter and shorter, on off, Head goes deep inside the crease and forces it to deep point for a single.

Short and outside off, spinning away, Head goes back to cut but it beats his bat.

Lands it on a good length, around off, Boland defends from the back foot and sees off another over.

On and around off, a length ball, it's defended safely to the off side.

A tempting offer outside off, pitched right on the driving length. Scott Boland resists the urge to reach for it, leaving the ball alone to sail through to the keeper. Good patience from the nightwatchman.

Mulder delivers it short and outside off, Scott stands back and plays it towards the left of the cover fielder.

A touch short and on off, Scott once again defends it right under his watchful eyes.

Angles in a length ball on off, Boland covers the line and defends it effectively.

Arm ball, drifting in on a shorter length around off, Head pushes it away from the back foot, towards covers. 10 more overs to go for the second new ball.

Again, the length is short, around off, Head pushes it with an angled bat to point.

Flatter and on off, short in length, Head punches off the back foot to covers.

Slower through the air, full and outside off, Head plays late, with the spin to backward point.

Delivers it full and on off, Head gets forward and defends it from the inner edge to the leg side.

Flighted delivery, full and outside off, Head drives it to covers.

Change of ends for Simon Harmer. He will be bowling into the breeze now.

Pitches it up and outside off, Boland presents a perfect front-foot defense as he pushes it away to short cover.

Angles in a length ball on middle, Boland stays back and defends it towards short mid-wicket.

Shortish and on off, Scott is comfortable against this length, goes on the back foot and punches it to covers.

Good, brave leave. An inswinger from Mulder, on a length outside off, Boland gets his front leg forward to cover the line and shoulders his arms. That wasn't too far away from the off pole.

Serves it on a length and close to off, Boland plays late at it and dabs it down to gully.

1 run, this time the batter goes back and punches it from the crease for a run at deep cover.

Wiaan Mulder comes into the attack.

FOUR! Scott Boland is beginning to fancy his chances! Anticipating the short ball around off, he leans back and deftly ramps it over the slip cordon. A daring stroke from the nightwatchman, who is growing in confidence with every passing delivery. The 50-run stand comes up and the deficit is now 125.

Another short ball on middle, and Scott Boland rises onto his toes to meet it solidly. He angles the bat and safely steers it down towards point, showing no discomfort against the rising delivery.

Another shortish ball, around off, Boland eases on the back foot and defends it down.

A touch short around off, and Scott Boland rocks back to keep it out with a watchful defensive stroke. The length is becoming somewhat predictable, with Rabada repeatedly testing him from a similar area.

Back of a length, on off and angling in, Boland steps back and defends it down to the off side.

Short in length and outside off, Scott stays back and slaps it through the line. Finds point.

Spinning down the leg side, Boland tucks it towards deep square leg and picks up a single. This partnership has now faced 116 balls and scored 47. The deficit is down to 129.

Floated delivery, full and outside off, Boland presses forward and defends it confidently.

Spinning down the leg side, Scott Boland allows it through to the keeper.

Loopy and full, outside off, Travis Head leans forward and drives it to the right of covers for a single.

Flatter through the air, short and outside off, Head covers his stumps and offers no shot.

Too full in length, around off, Head pushes it back to the bowler.

Steve Smith has his pads on, that's a good sign for Australia.

Rabada keeps the length short and delivers it on middle, Boland defends it from the back foot.

Beats the bat. Skiddy delivery, short and shooting off the surface outside off, Scott has a needless poke inside the line and gets beaten.

Bowls it on a length and outside off, Boland is on the front foot as he pushes it to mid off.

Sharp and shortish, on middle, Boland gets behind the line and defends it to the off side.

Back of a length outside off, Boland sticks back and throws his bat at it. It comes from the middle part and goes on one bounce to backward point.

Rabada goes short and on off, Boland feels for it and gets beaten.

Flatter and on off, Head plays it down from the back foot to point.

JUST SHORT! A moment of uncertainty for Travis Head! The extra loop tempts him into a firm push at a full delivery around off, but the ball travels in the air towards short cover. Marques Ackerman dives forward and appears to cling on, though the South Africans hold back on celebrating as the umpires refer the catch upstairs. The replays confirm that the ball had bounced just short of the fielder's hands. Head survives a scare and play moves on.

Harmer pulls his length back and delivers it on middle, Boland gets back and works it with the spin to deep fine. They take a single.

A hint of spin from a fuller length around off, Boland defends again from the inner half and it rolls towards short leg.

Flighted and on off, turning in a hint, Boland gets forward and defends it from the inner part of his bat. Called a no ball.

Loopy and full, drifting in around off, Boland presses forward in defense.

Short and on off, Head goes on the back foot and punches it to deep cover for a run.

A touch short and on top of off, Scott Boland goes back and plays late at it, dabbing it in front of gully.

Length delivery on off, the batter has just watchfully blocked this out.

FOUR! Scott Boland picks the gap beautifully! Width on offer outside off, and the Australian nightwatchman stays deep in the crease, makes room and slaps it firmly past point. The ball races away to the fence as Boland continues to stand his ground, making this vigil count.

Shortish and on off, Head stands back and steers it past point for a single.

An absolute peach! The wobble-seam delivery lands on a good length around middle and straightens just enough, with extra bounce to compound Head's problems. He tries to defend from the back foot but is completely beaten as the ball climbs past his bat. That is a delivery worthy of a wicket, even if it does not bring one.

A short ball on middle, and Travis Head rises onto his toes to meet it with a compact defensive stroke, steering the ball down towards the leg side.

Harmer comes from round the wicket and serves it full around off, Boland blocks it with a dead bat. Another over safely negotiated.

Loopy and full, outside off, Boland stretches forward and defends it to the off side.

Flighted delivery, full and on off, Boland is forward in his defensive push back to the bowler.

Flatter and on middle, Scott goes on the back foot and blocks it towards short leg.

No run, that is defended solidly off the front foot.

Tossed up, on middle, defended in front of short leg.

Goes fuller and on off, Head covers the line this time and pushes it away to mid off. Eventful over.

A pearler from Rabada! On a probing length close to off, the ball deviates away just enough to leave Travis Head squared up in defense. It whistles past the outside edge, coming perilously close to shaving the off stump.

Sliding down the leg side, Head fails to flick but it goes off his pads to deep fine. Two leg byes.

FOUR! Head uses the pace cleverly! At 141.9 kph, the ball is full and wide of off. He opens the face late, steering it off a thick outside edge that races past gully to his left and disappears towards the boundary. A touch of fortune, but Head continues to find the gaps.

Rabada comes from round the wicket and angles in a length ball on off, Head defends it from the back foot.

FOUR! Head throws the kitchen sink at it! Short and wide outside off, he flings his hands at the delivery and gets a thick edge that flies over gully. No control on that one, but enough elevation to clear the fielder and race away to the boundary.

Change of ends for Kagiso Rabada.

Leans forward to a full ball and defends it to see off another over. Good going for Australia, so far.

Full in length and outside off, Boland drives it off the front foot but it goes quickly to deepish mid off.

Gives flight again and serves it full around off, Boland draws forward and defends it safely.

Full and floated, on middle, Scott defends it off the front foot.

Tossed up, around off, defended.

Beaten all ends up! Flighted generously and tossed up outside off, the ball tempts Scott Boland forward in defense but goes straight on instead of turning. His bat comes down too late, and the delivery slips past the outside edge.

Lands it on a good length, around off, Head punches from the back foot to the off side.

FOUR! HUNDRED FOR TRAVIS HEAD! A Test century of immense value, his 13th overall! Jansen goes very full on middle, and Head leans across to clip it sweetly through mid-wicket. The timing is exquisite, and the ball races to the fence to bring up a magnificent hundred. The Australian balcony rises as Head lifts his bat to acknowledge the applause, keeping the celebration understated. There is still a Test match to save, and he knows the job is far from finished.

Around off, on a good length, Head pushes it from the back foot to covers.

FOUR! Two away from a hundred! Too full and straying down leg, Travis Head gets his wrists to work, whipping the ball off his pads and sending it racing to the deep square leg fence. A boundary that takes him to 98, with a century now tantalisingly close.

Shortish and on off, Head punches it without much timing to covers.

A sharp bouncer around off at 139.2 kph. Travis Head waits until the last moment before ducking underneath it, taking evasive action just in time.

Flatter and a touch shorter, on off, Boland goes on the back foot and defends it down safely.

1 run, the batter comes forward and plays an off drive for a run at long off.

No run, a gentle push by the batter but cannot pierce the gap at covers.

Was there any bat? Tossed up full around leg, Head tries to flick it away but misses, and the ball pops off his pads towards the right of short leg. The fielder reacts quickly, dives across, but cannot hold on. There appears to be no bat involved, with the ball coming off the pads.

Loopy and full, around off, Head is forward as he pushes it to covers.

Flighted and full, around middle, Head defends it to the leg side.

Simon Harmer replaces Rabada. A slip and short leg in place.

Around off, on a length, Boland is once again sound in his defense. Plays out a maiden but importantly, he is still out there.

Length delivery on off, Boland blocks it from the back foot to the off side.

BEATEN! An absolute beauty from Jansen! Short of a length around off, the ball angles in and skids through, catching Scott Boland on the wrong line as he tries to defend. He is squared up completely, and the ball whistles past the outside edge before sailing over the stumps. A superb delivery that has Boland all at sea.

A sharp bouncer around off at 134.6 kph. Scott Boland wastes no time getting out of the way, ducking underneath it comfortably.

Lands it on a length, around off, Boland taps it down from the back foot, towards cover-point.

From around the wicket, with a leg slip and short leg in place, Jansen sticks to the short-of-a-length approach around off. Scott Boland gets onto the back foot and defends it watchfully, keeping the bat close to his body.

Shortish and on off, Boland gets back and turns it in the gap at mid-wicket for a run.

FOUR! A streaky boundary, but Boland will take it! On a length around off, the ball wobbles away off the seam as Scott Boland stays back and pushes at it with an angled bat. The edge drops just short of second slip and sneaks through the cordon, running away to the fence.

Kagiso Rabada angles in a full delivery on middle and leg. Scott Boland gets behind the line, opens the face slightly and guides it towards point. A watchful, controlled response.

Fuller and on off, driven off the front foot but straight to the cover fielder.

BEATEN! Kagiso Rabada gets one to nip away off the seam from a fuller length around off. Scott Boland reaches out to push at it but is beaten by the movement, with the ball narrowly evading his outside edge.

Kagiso Rabada pitches it up around off, and Travis Head gently pushes it towards cover. They scamper through for a single, keeping the scoreboard ticking.

Delivers it on a length around off, Scott Boland brings the bat down at an angle and defends it neatly towards cover-point. Solid and composed so far from Boland, showing good application under pressure. Maiden!

With a leg slip in place, Marco Jansen goes fuller on a length outside off. Scott Boland watches it closely and shoulders arms, letting the ball pass through to the keeper.

A sharp short ball aimed at the body, and Scott Boland is caught in a tangle as he tries to fend it away. The ball brushes his shirt and flies through behind him. A testing delivery that gives the batter little room to manoeuvre.

Short leg in play.

Jansen steams in from round the wicket and darts in a full ball on off, again Boland is comfortably behind the line as he dead-bats it down on the surface.

On a good length around middle and off, Scott Boland gets right behind the line and blocks it solidly into the off side.

A bouncer to start, directed around leg stump. It does not climb much, and Scott Boland has little trouble ducking underneath as the ball passes over him.

Marco Jansen is ready to operate from the other end.

FOUR! Crunched through the gap! Too full and wide outside off, Travis Head gets forward and drills it through point. The fielder dives desperately to his left, but the ball sneaks past him and races away to the boundary. Head moves into the 90s, closing in on a deserved century.

Back of a length, around middle and leg, Boland goes on his toes and drops it in the gap at mid-wicket. They cross for a run.

Rabada keeps it full and close to off, this time Boland plays late and pushes it defensively to covers.

Fuller in length and just outside off, Boland gets the space to drive this one but finds the cover fielder.

Slants in a full ball, around off at 139 clicks, Boland gets behind the line and defends it back to the bowler.

Begins with a low full toss, around off from round the wicket, Head pushes it in the gap at covers and takes a run. Moves to 88.

Finally, back to cricket - At long last, we're ready to get going! The players are out in the middle, with Travis Head and Scott Boland set to resume Australia's innings. The ball is 54 overs old, the clouds have cleared, and the conditions look inviting for batting. There are few excuses left on that front for Australia, but the challenge is far from straightforward. This is now as much about handling the pressure as making the most of the conditions. The Australians have to keep their nerve and find a way to stay in the contest. Let the action begin, here is Kagiso Rabada...

...DAY 5, SECOND SESSION...

Bathed in sunshine - Blue skies, white clouds, and the sun shining brighter than ever today. All the covers are off, and conditions around the ground look as good as they have all day. Now, if only the weather could keep this up! There's something amusing about the ground looking its best just as the players sit down for lunch, but the officials made a sensible call. The break gives the groundsmen time to get everything ready without eating further into the playing time. With the start looking imminent, join us at 10 am GMT. Here's hoping the weather doesn't have another surprise up its sleeve!

9.20 am GMT - Early Lunch has been taken, and it looks like a sensible decision by the officials. The rain has eased, the sun is back, but the ground staff still need time to get the field of play ready. Rather than keep everyone waiting through the cleanup, the lunch break gives them a window to work on the covers and assess the outfield. If all goes to plan, we could get the action underway at 10 am GMT, weather permitting. Fingers crossed the skies finally cooperate.

9.14 am GMT - Back in Gqeberha, the rain has eased, but there is still plenty of water sitting on the covers. The groundsmen are back at work, sweeping the water away in the hope of moving things forward. The bigger question is how the outfield has held up through all this rain, and there's no word on that just yet. With no official update forthcoming, all we can do is wait and hope for some encouraging news.

Phillips powers New Zealand - A quick update from Christchurch, where Glenn Phillips has blasted an unbeaten 82 off just 40 balls to propel New Zealand to a formidable 225, setting India a target of 226 in the first T20I. The reigning T20 champions were well below their best with the ball, and they now have a stiff chase on their hands.

8.57 am GMT - This is no longer a case of drizzle. Big drops of rain are clearly visible now, and we could be in for a lengthy delay. Getting any cricket in before Lunch would feel like a bonus at this stage. The skies are at their gloomiest so far today, and the mood around the ground is hardly brighter. Australia won't be too unhappy with this turn of events, but South Africa will be desperately hoping for the weather to clear, with their eyes fixed on the heavens. Rain has a long, rather painful history with the Proteas, and it has rarely been the kind of relationship they would want to revisit

Game stopped due to : Rain Stoppage

8.50 am GMT - Oh, not again! The drizzle has returned, and the covers are coming back on. Just when there was hope of getting some meaningful cricket underway, the weather has dealt another frustrating blow. The wait goes on, the patience is wearing thin, and the revised schedule could soon need another revision. More covers are being brought on as we type. It's a disappointing sight, with the prospect of lost time becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.

Revised playing conditions for Day 5 - A total of 87 overs are scheduled for today, with the first session running from 9 am to 10.30 am GMT. The second session will begin at 11.10 am and continue until 1.30 pm GMT, while the final session is scheduled from 1.50 pm to 3.45 pm GMT. After repeated weather interruptions, there is plenty of cricket to fit in, provided the conditions remain favourable.

8.36 am GMT - (Another glimmer of hope) - Here we go again! The drizzle has stopped, the covers are coming off and the sun is shining once more. Play is scheduled to resume at 9 am GMT, with Lunch due at 10.30 am GMT. The weather has kept us guessing all morning, but hopefully this latest window of sunshine sticks around long enough for some cricket.

Plenty to keep you busy! A little rain here, but there's no shortage of cricket elsewhere! India are in New Zealand for the first T20I of their five-match series, Namibia take on Ireland in the opening ODI of their five-match series, and Sri Lanka face England in Match 3 of the ODI Tri-Series in Pakistan. Switch tabs to follow all the action, but don't wander too far. Keep an eye on this space for updates from Gqeberha!

8.20 am GMT - Oh, come on! It seems Australia have sent a friend request to the rain gods, and the drizzle has accepted! The covers are back on, and the bright sunshine has given way to gloomy skies. You can scratch that resumption time for now and get comfortable with the waiting game again. Just when we thought cricket was about to return, the weather had other plans.

8.06 am GMT - We've got an update from the officials! The covers are being cleared and the playing area is being prepared for action. The session is scheduled to get underway at 8.25 am GMT. After all the weather-related uncertainty, there's finally a time to look forward to.

8 am GMT - Sunshine brings hope...here we go again! The sun is shining brightly, and there's a strong breeze blowing across the ground. The groundsmen are pulling the heavy logs off the covers, offering another encouraging sign that we could be edging closer to play. The weather has kept everyone on their toes, but perhaps the wait is finally nearing its end.

A quick chat with Jansen - The towering Marco Jansen says South Africa's plan was to keep Australia under pressure and pick up as many wickets as possible. He feels it was one of those days when everything fell into place, allowing the hosts to stay on top throughout. Reacting to Dale Steyn's tweet calling him the best cricketer in the world at present, Jansen says the two share a good friendship. While such praise naturally brings its own pressure, he admits it is special to hear such words from a legend of the game. Jansen also speaks about the confidence he draws from having KG Rabada at the other end, adding that Rabada's intent and energy inspire him to raise his own game. Looking ahead, Jansen expects the conditions to offer some nip and seam movement. He also reckons Simon Harmer could find turn, while the uneven grass on the surface may provide some extra bounce.

7.48 am GMT - (The weather plays tease) - Ah, spoke too soon! The groundsmen are back at the covers, placing the heavy logs on them as the drizzle returns. The skies remain bright, though, and there's quite a breeze blowing across the ground. No real need for umbrellas just yet, so this appears to be a precautionary measure rather than a sign of worsening conditions. The weather is keeping everyone guessing, but fingers crossed the wait won't be much longer.

7.40 am GMT - The covers are coming off! The forecast called for a spell of drizzle followed by brighter conditions, and that is playing out as expected, informs Mark Nicholas. The covers are now coming off, bringing some much-needed cheer for the home spectators. These are encouraging signs, with hopes of getting the day's play underway gathering momentum.

7.35 am GMT - The sun is trying to peek through the clouds, offering a hint of encouragement, but the drizzle still seems to be there. The umpires are near the covers, having a discussion with one of the ground staff as everyone waits for an improvement in conditions. A delayed start looks increasingly likely, though, so we'll keep an eye on the skies and bring you the latest.

7.20 am GMT - (A damp start looms) - Oops, a spot of drizzle greets us on the ground! The covers are on the playing area, although the rain is light enough for the players to continue with their warm-up drills. Steve Smith is out there too, which is an encouraging sign for Australia. For now, there is no word on a delay, but we'll have to wait and see if the action gets underway on time. Stay tuned for further updates.

Did you know? Australia have been forced to follow on for the first time since January 2019, when India enforced it against them at the SCG. On that occasion, it was also the first time since 1988 that Australia had been asked to follow on at home. A grim reminder!

Rain or reign? Who will the weather gods favour? This Test has already seen plenty of rain interruptions, yet we still have a gripping contest on our hands! South Africa need six more wickets to level the three-match series at 1-1, while Australia must produce a lionhearted rearguard effort to keep the hosts at bay. The visitors would not mind the rain gods chipping in with an assist, either, as they look to salvage a draw! The exact forecast is still awaited, however, we have heard that a few clouds have parked themselves in Gqeberha this morning. For now, the big question is whether the weather will play spoiler or let the cricket do the talking.

Knocks and shocks - Steve Smith's troublesome neck and Anrich Nortje's groin injury have become unexpected talking points in this Test. While South Africa may not feel Nortje's absence too keenly just yet, Australia's concerns are far greater. They desperately need Smith out in the middle if they are to harbour any realistic hopes of salvaging this match. For the hosts, Nortje's absence could become a bigger headache if Australia manage to mount a fightback and force the frontline seamers into a long, tiring spell. Just when the Test seemed to have enough twists and turns, these untimely injuries have thrown another spanner into the works!

The final act awaits! And here we are, Day 5! There is something special about a Test that goes the distance, with the final chapter still unwritten and everything to play for. Missed the action on Day 4? A quick scroll down will bring you right back into the thick of things. And here's a curious little twist - Travis Head and Scott Boland were at the crease when yesterday began, and the very same pair will resume proceedings this morning! Coincidence? Absolutely, and we do love a good one in cricket! Now, can we brace ourselves for a grandstand finish? The stage is set, but the tourists cannot afford a sleepy start. A couple of early blows, and this innings could come tumbling down in a hurry. Buckle up, folks, the fifth day is here!

...DAY 5...

Set up for a grandstand finish - What works in Australia's favour is that the ball is already 54 overs old, and with very little action on Days 1 and 2, there hasn't been much foot traffic on the surface. As a result, the indentations may not be as pronounced as they usually are on a Day 5 pitch. A lot will also depend on Steve Smith's availability, with the Australian batter nursing a sore neck. South Africa's attack, meanwhile, will have had a good night's rest and will be raring to go on Day 5, backing themselves to get the job done. It's all set up for a fascinating finish, with play scheduled to begin at 7.45 am GMT. We look forward to having your company then. Cheers!

Harmer makes his presence felt - After being asked to bat again, Australia lost Nic Maddinson early, but they found some resistance through Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne. The pair did well to see off the new ball, with Head looking increasingly assured at the crease. However, Labuschagne fell in the 30s to an avoidable shot, and South Africa seized on that opening, with Harmer making the most of whatever assistance the surface offered.

Australia left reeling - Earlier in the day, Australia were skittled out for just 99 in their first innings, handing the Proteas a massive 326-run lead. Steve Smith brought up 11,000 Test runs, but that was about the only real highlight for the tourists in an otherwise disappointing innings. Marco Jansen led the charge with a five-wicket haul, while Anrich Nortje's groin issue left South Africa without one of their frontline pacers. That left Temba Bavuma with a decision to make, with the option of batting for a little while to give his bowlers a breather before putting Australia back in.

3.48 pm GMT - STUMPS, DAY 4 - End of an absorbing day in the Test. For the second day in a row, South Africa have taken the honours and will push for a win on Day 5, a result that seemed far less likely after the first two days. Australia have it all to do on the final day if they are to save the Test and protect their series lead.

Game stopped due to : Wet Ground Condition

Game stopped due to : Rain Stoppage

Game stopped due to : Wet Ground Condition

Game stopped due to : Rain Stoppage

Game stopped due to : Wet Ground Condition

Job well done by Scott Boland. Offers flight, does Harmer, on middle. Boland gets forward to block it off. That will be Stumps on Day 4.

Short and turning back in at the pads. Boland goes back in the crease and nurdles it to backward square leg.

A bit of air given, fuller and on middle. Boland leans forward to defend.

Dragged down, slower and on off. Boland punches it back to the bowler.

Around off, flat and short. Boland stabs it down on the off side.

On a good length, on middle. It spins back in but Boland does well to jam it out.

Time for the final over of the day.

Drops it short, on the off stump. Head hangs back to defend.

Flighted up, on off, defended solidly off the front foot.

Down leg, Head thinks about going after it but then decides against it.

Full and on middle. Head gets a good stride in to stab it down.

Shorter and on middle, that is punched off the back foot but straight to the mid on fielder.

Outside off, that is left alone for the keeper to collect.

The light is still good enough, so play continues.

Really full, on middle. Boland digs it out back to the bowler.

Kept out! Drifting away, on a length. Boland ekes out an inside edge onto the pads as he lunges to defend. The ball trickles harmlessly away from the stumps.

Grip and turn for Harmer, on a good length. Boland plays down the wrong line on the block and is beaten on the inside edge to wear it on the pads. Doing too much.

Full and around off. Scott has just watchfully blocked this out.

Was that a chance? Very full, on middle and leg. Boland looks to turn it away. The ball hits him low on the front pad and lobs up towards silly point. Marques Ackerman sticks out the right hand and can only get fingertips to it.

Did that come off the bat? On a good length, on middle. Boland pushes out in front of his body. The ball spins back to pop up off the front pad and goes past Marques Ackerman at silly point before he can react.

We have 7 minutes left in the day's play. After a quick reading by the umpires, the light is deemed good enough for play to continue.

From around the wicket now, slanting away from the off stump. Scott tries to defend it with soft hands. Gets it off the outer half behind point for a single.

Full and attacking the front pad, that is defended solidly off the front foot.

Outside off, not close enough to make the batter play, left alone by Boland.

Fired in, on off. Head drives this full ball to long off and takes a single.

Full and fast at 87.7 kph, played towards covers.

Sliding on with the arm, on a good length. Head clips it to mid-wicket.

Shorter and on off, that is punched off the back foot, but straight to cover.

Harmer switches to over the wicket, looped up, on off and middle. Boland reaches out in front. Due to the turn, he squeezes out an inside edge onto the pads, but the ball does not pop up and drops to the ground quickly.

Drifting away, on a length. Boland leans across to smother the spin.

Boland has just blocked that from the crease.

Slower and shorter, on off. Scott rocks back to defend.

Flighted up, on middle and leg. Boland defends with the bat close to the front pad. 'Five with us,' says Ryan Rickelton from behind the stumps.

Drifts down leg, a bit of air given. Head goes hard on the sweep, trying to get it behind square leg with the angle but fails to connect.

Full and at the stumps. Head pushes it back to the bowler.

Shouts of 'catch'! Very full, speared in at the toes. Head gets forward to flick. Gets a bit of an inside edge before the ball pops up slightly off the front pad but it drops in front of David Bedingham at short leg.

Dragged down, spinning back in towards the pads. Boland tucks it past mid-wicket for one.

Speared in at the pads, this is worked in front of square on the leg side for a run.

Short and around off. Head goes back and punches it from the crease. Temba Bavuma lets it through his legs at cover and concedes a couple of runs.

The light meter is out. Temba Bavuma wanted to continue with Marco Jansen, but the light isn't good enough for the pacers to bowl. It's a similar situation to what we saw yesterday. Aiden Markram has been tossed the ball.

Full and attacking the front pad. Boland lunges for the block.

Scott Boland has been sent in as the night watchman. A slip, a leg slip, a short leg and a silly point in place for the new batter.

OUT! LBW! Trapped in front. A misjudgment from Beau Webster leads to his downfall. Drifting away from around the wicket, the ball is relatively full, but Webster misreads the length and goes back. It spins back in to beat the inside edge as he looks to defend and strikes him on the back pad, right in front of the stumps. There hasn't been a lot of help from the surface, but Harmer is using all his skill to do a top job for the Proteas. He now has two wickets to his name. Australia are 4 down and trailing by 176 runs.

That is defended solidly off the front foot.

Pushed through, at the hips. Webster nudges it beside the strip on the leg side.

Short and around the pads. Webster turns it away to backward square leg.

Floated up, wide on off. Head extends his hands and drives it wide of cover, where Matthew Breetzke dives to his right and cuts it off. Just a single. The 150 is up for Australia.

A bumper, over off. The batter ducks under that one.

Webster has just watchfully blocked this out.

Short and wide again, cut away to deep point for one.

This stays a bit low. Short and wide on off. Head flashes but the ball sneaks under the blade.

This climbs onto the batter, on a shortish length. Head rises and fends it down on the off side.

Hits the hard length, on middle. Webster taps it in front of mid on and takes a quick single. Australia now trail by 178 runs.

A change in bowling, as Marco Jansen has been brought back. He is starting with two slips and a gully.

Darted in, on a good length, on middle. This is played towards covers.

Indecision by Head. Flighted up, around off. Head presses half-forward and has a tentative prod at the ball. It spins away to go past the blade.

Very full, this is worked away towards mid-wicket for a run.

Pushed back towards the bowler Simon Harmer dives to his right to make the stop.

That is defended solidly off the front foot.

Full and on off. Webster drives it to the right of long off for a couple of runs.

Simon Harmer is back.

FOUR! Lucky escape for Travis Head. Around the off stump from around the wicket. The ball is not on that drivable length but Head flashes at it. The outside edge flies behind quickly, where David Bedingham, the lone man at slip, flings himself to his left, but the ball stays out of his reach.

Fuller and on off, played towards covers.

That is punched off the back foot but straight to the mid on fielder.

FOUR! Gets it away this time. Too straight yet again by Mulder, on a back of a length, on the pads. Head gets on his toes and tickles it away. The deep fine leg fielder stands no chance.

Down leg. Head misses out on the glance.

A bit of nip back, on a good length, on middle. Head punches it to mid on.

Very full, on off, Webster leans forward to block.

On a length, around leg. Webster knocks it back to the bowler.

Dropped short, on off. Head presses back and hammers it to wide long off for a run. Australia trail by 190 runs.

FOUR! Easy pickings. Full and too straight, down leg. Head uses the angle to help it away fine of the deep fine leg fielder for a boundary.

Full and fast, on off. Head pushes it back to Markram.

Short and on middle, punched off the back foot back to the bowler.

Not all that short, outside off. Head cuts it to deep point for one.

On a good length. Head drives it on the up to mid on.

This is driven through the covers for a single.

Fuller and attacking the front pad. Beau's head falls over as he tries to flick. Gets a soft leading edge to the left of the bowler.

Dragged down, outside off. Webster stands tall and spanks it hard but picks out the man at cover.

Angled in at the pads, Webster nudges it to mid-wicket.

Kagiso Rabada has been given a rest. Wiaan Mulder replaces him.

Low full toss, on middle. Webster drives it to long on for a run.

Fuller and on middle. Webster pushes it to the right of the bowler.

Webster goes back in the crease to flick but cannot find the gap at wide mid on.

Keeps it short and flat, on leg. Beau turns it to mid-wicket.

Shorter and at the hips, Webster nurdles it to backward square leg.

On the pads, that is flicked away past mid-wicket for a single.

This stays low, on a nagging length, on off. Beau pats it down to the left of the bowler.

Delivers it on a good length, around the off stump. Webster blocks it out from the crease.

Full and on off, that is defended solidly off the front foot.

In the channel, let through by Beau.

Moving away in the air, on a good length. Webster follows the ball with his hands and dabs it to gully.

Bashes the hard length, on off. Webster angles it to point.

Flat and short, on the pads, Webster flicks it away through mid-wicket for a single.

Floated up, on off. Webster lunges across to defend.

On the pads, that is flicked away but straight to the backward square leg fielder.

Fractionally short, on off. Travis goes back and punches it to deep cover for a run. Australia's deficit is now 200.

Fired in at the pads, Webster flicks it past mid-wicket for a run.

Short and on off, that is punched off the back foot to deep point for a single.

Aiden Markram comes on to bowl.

Punched with sweet timing but straight to backward point.

Beau Webster makes his way out to bat. Still no sign of Steve Smith, whom we saw earlier with a neck brace on.

OUT! CASTLED! There are two types of leaves, and Matt Renshaw has come up with one that has cost him his wicket. Angled in from around the wicket, on a back of a length. Renshaw shoulders arms, but the ball doesn't rise as much as he expects. It seams back in to clip the flap of his back pad, making him an LBW candidate as well, before deflecting onto the outside half of off stump and dislodging the bails. Australia are 123/3, trailing by 203 runs.

Good call! On a hard length, at the ribs. Renshaw nurdles it towards square leg and sets off for the run before being sent back by Head and rightly so, as Marques Ackerman was quick on the ball.

Head goes back and punches it from the crease wide of point for a run.

Too straight, at the hips. Matt glances it down to deep fine leg and rotates the strike.

Angled into the hips, that is flicked off the back foot through mid-wicket for a run.

Full and on the pads, played towards square leg for a single.

Head has just watchfully blocked this out.

Short and on leg, this is worked away behind square leg for a run.

Fuller and on off. Renshaw pushes away from his body. Gets an outside edge as the ball dribbles to backward point.

FOUR! Easily done. Sliding onto the pads, shorter and quicker. Renshaw uses the depth of the crease and flicks it through square leg for a four.

Not in control but safe. Hangs it up, does Harmer, wide on off, on a length. Head is nowhere near the pitch of the ball and flays at it. Slices it off the outer half through the vacant point region for one.

Does not carry! In line with the off stump, a bit fuller. Renshaw looks to defend it with soft hands and that results in the outside edge going down towards second slip.

That is flicked away but straight to the mid on fielder.

Around off, on a short of a length. Renshaw angles it to backward point.

FOUR! Exquisite. Slightly overpitched by Rabada, on middle. Renshaw presents the full face of the bat and drives it well to the right of mid on for a boundary. Australia now trail by 213 runs.

On middle and leg, a bit fuller. Renshaw drives it to mid on.

Beaten! Nibbling away, on a length, around the off stump. Matt Renshaw is beaten past the outside edge on the block.

FOUR! Fortuitous boundary for Head. Dropped short by Harmer, on off. Travis presses back and goes hard on the cut. One hand comes off the bat handle as the ball flies behind point off a thickish outside edge. Kagiso Rabada did not pick the ball up but it was well away from his reach.

Full and on off, knocked to cover.

On off, that is just a mere push wide of cover for a run.

Darted in on a good length, on middle. Renshaw defends it out by getting forward.

This is down the off side and let through.

Good piece of backing up. Pushed through, on middle. Not all that short, as Head chops it down wide of cover and hurries to the other end. There is a direct hit at the bowling end but the mid off fielder dives to prevent any extra run.

Hits the top of off, defended from the crease by Renshaw.

Fuller, in the channel, the batter is not interested in playing at that.

On a back of a length, on off, that is left alone for the keeper to collect.

Angled in at the pads, that is flicked away but straight to the mid-wicket fielder.

Outside off, the batter shoulders arms to let that one through.

At the hips, that is flicked off the back foot square on the leg side for a run.

DRINKS BREAK! Simon Harmer is doing a good job for South Africa, asking all the questions and allowing Temba Bavuma to rotate his pacers from the other end in the absence of Anrich Nortje. Australia need another partnership to take shape here, much like the one they managed for the second wicket. We have 23 overs left in the day, but with it being cloudy at the moment, the light could deteriorate, and we may not get more than 40-45 minutes of action. Kagiso Rabada comes back into the attack.

Dropped short, on off, that is punched off the back foot but straight to the mid off fielder.

A loose thread on the ball is trimmed off by the umpire with a pair of scissors.

Floated up, on off. Renshaw lunges to smother the spin.

Full and speared in, on middle. Matt eases it to mid on.

That is punched off the back foot to long off for a single.

Full and at the sticks, that is defended solidly off the front foot.

Short and on middle, that is punched off the back foot back to the bowler.

Nearly sneaked through. Jagging back in, on a good length. Head hangs back to defend. Ekes out an inside edge and goes behind square leg for a run.

Head goes back in the crease to flick but cannot find the gap at mid-wicket.

A strong gust of wind, and Richard Illingworth's cap comes flying off.

Full and honing in on the off stump. Head lunges to defend.

That is punched off the back foot but straight to the cover fielder.

That is defended solidly off the front foot.

A gentle push by the batter but cannot pierce the gap at backward point.

Matt Renshaw is in next. So Steve Smith is still struggling with his sore neck, having not come in at his usual position.

OUT! IN THE AIR AND GONE! Marnus Labuschagne takes a risk, but it doesn't come off. After a couple of scores of 37 in Durban, Labuschagne once again falls in the 30s, and the wait for a fifty goes on. From around the wicket, tossed up on off. Labuschagne dances down the track and, with mid on up, looks to go over Marco Jansen. He takes the risk of hitting into the wind but ends up cutting across the ball. Skies it over mid on, where Jansen runs over his right shoulder and slides to take the catch. End of a 92-run stand. Australia are 100/2, trailing by 226 runs.

Fired in on a good length, on middle. Marnus rocks back to defend.

Pushes through, on middle. Labuschagne goes back to a ball he was better off being forward to but manages to stab it down.

Flatter and shorter, on middle. Labuschagne nurdles it to backward square leg.

Flighted up, on middle. Labuschagne lunges to smother the spin.

Flat and short, on middle. Labuschagne tucks it to short leg on the bounce.

Well-directed by Jansen. A bumper, around the right shoulder. Head gets his hands high to fend it down. The ball keeps climbing and it pops up off the splice of the bat. There is no one close around the bat and the ball drops on the strip.

Fuller and on off, Labuschagne eases it in front of square on the off side for a single. The 100 is up for Australia, and the deficit is now 226.

Attacking the sticks. Labuschagne gets right behind the line to defend.

Outside off, that is left alone for the keeper to collect.

On off, on a back of a length. Marnus Labuschagne hangs back to defend.

Short and wide on off, that is cut away through covers for a single.

A bit short, on off, Head goes back and punches it from the crease past cover for a run.

A gentle push by the batter but cannot pierce the gap at cover.

On the pads, this is worked away to deep square leg for a run.

Marnus goes back in the crease to flick but picks out mid-wicket.

FIFTY FOR HEAD! His 21st in Tests and his 4th in 5 matches against South Africa, according to the on-air commentators. A much-needed half-century from Australia's perspective after being asked to follow on. He's had a bit of luck along the way, dropped on 5, and will be keen to make the most of it. Full and around leg. Head gets down for the sweep. Gets a bit of bat before the ball hits the pads and goes behind square leg for a single.

Full and on the pads, played towards mid-wicket.

Into the wicket, on middle. Head goes back in the crease and flicks it away through mid-wicket for a single. Australia now trail by 231 runs.

On the bounce. Bashes the hard length, does Jansen. Labuschagne pulls it a bit aerially but it does not carry to the deep square leg fielder. They cross.

That is punched off the back foot to deep point for a single.

Indecision by Head. Into the wicket, over middle. Head makes a late decision to go for the upper cut and fails to connect.

Head cuts the ball late, but it is intercepted at gully.

On a hard length, on midde. This is stabbed down by Head.

Given LBW, but successfully overturned by Marnus Labuschagne. Absolute relief for Australia's number 3. On a good length, landing on middle and leg. Labuschagne presses forward but plays all around it as the ball spins past the inside edge to hit the flap of the front pad. South Africa go up in unison, and the finger is raised. No bat involved on UltraEdge. Is the bounce taking it over the stumps? Well, well, the Ball Tracking has the ball doing too much, and it is missing the leg stump. Labuschagne survives a huge scare!

FOUR! Off the edge. Drifting away. Labuschagne goes deep in the crease to a full ball. He looks to defend but the ball goes away off the outside edge down to the deep third fence.

Around leg, on a length. Labuschagne steps out and works it to mid-wicket.

The batter comes forward and plays the off drive but it is a dot ball.

Pops up but lands safely. Hangs it up, on a good length. Labuschagne lunges to defend. A bit of grip and turn results in the ball taking the inside edge onto the pads. It drops away from the reach of David Bedingham at short fine leg to his right.

On the pads. Head works this full ball wide of mid-wicket for a single.

Slightly fuller, on off and middle. Marnus Labuschagne gets forward to defend.

On off, the batter has just watchfully blocked this out.

Beaten! From around the wicket, straightening off the deck, on a good length. Labuschagne presents a straight bat for the block. Gets beaten on the outside edge.

On top of off, that is punched off the back foot to deep point for a single.

Beaten! Short and wide on off. Head flashes but the ball sneaks under the blade.

Shouts of 'catch' but it drops well short. Angled into the right-hander, bowled into the deck. Labuschagne pivots and is tucked up for room on the pull. The extra bounce results in the ball catching the top edge but it drops safely well in front of deep square leg. They cross.

Marco Jansen is back.

Rapped on the pads! Speared in on a good length, on middle. Head gets forward for the flick but the ball comes on with the arm to hit the batter on the front pad. Simon Harmer goes up in an appeal but even he knows that it is sliding down leg.

On leg, a bit short, that is flicked off the back foot behind square leg for a run.

A bit of excitement around the bat. Slower at 78.6 kph, on a good length. Labuschagne is unable to reach the pitch of the ball to smother the spin and wears it on the front pad.

At 81.1 kph, shorter and going away. Labuschagne tucks it on the bounce to short leg.

Very full, on off. Labuschagne digs it out to cover.

Across the off stump from around the wicket. Labuschagne hangs back to defend.

Hurls it on a back of a length, on off. Head stands tall and punches it to the left of Matthew Breetzke at deep point for a brace. The partnership moves to 76. Australia now trail by 242 runs.

Around off, on a good length, that is punched off the back foot to deep point for a single.

Drags the length back, on middle. Labuschagne has just watchfully blocked this out.

Full and shaping back a bit, on middle. Labuschagne flicks it away through mid-wicket for a couple.

From around the wicket, on a length, on the off stump, that is pushed away behind point for a single.

Outside off, on a short of a good length. Labuschagne punches it square on the off side and turns the strike over.

Quicker through the air, on the pads. Labuschagne nudges it past short leg and collects a single.

Trifle short, outside off. Labuschagne goes deep in the crease and makes room to cut it wide of backward point for a couple of runs. 250 is the deficit for Australia.

Looped up, on middle. Labuschagne steps out, takes the ball on the full and whips it to wide mid on.

On off, on a length, that is defended solidly off the front foot.

Floated up, on middle. Labuschagne lunges and works it to mid-wicket.

Sliding on with the arm, on a good length, on middle, Head goes back and punches it from the crease towards long off for a run.

Angled in on a good length, on middle. Labuschagne keeps it out off the back foot.

Short and on off, Head plays the square cut wide of deep point, and it fetches him a single.

Hooping back in at the hips. Labuschagne flicks it away through fine leg for a single.

A bit shorter, on off. Head slaps it to deep point for a single. Australia now trail by 255 runs.

On off, on a good length, punched with sweet timing but straight to cover.

Not all that wide for the cut and not short either. Head chops it down on the off side.