South Africa vs Australia LIVE Score, 2nd Test Day 5 LIVE Updates

NDTV Sports · 22 Oct 2026, 1:22 PM IST

South Africa vs Australia 2nd Test Day 5 LIVE Score Updates: South Africa are relying on their bowlers to pull off an astonishing victory over Australia on Day 5 of the second Test in Gqeberha.

SA vs AUS 2nd Test LIVE Cricket Score© AFP

South Africa vs Australia 2nd Test LIVE Score Updates:South Africa are relying on their bowlers to pull off an astonishing victory over Australia on Day 5 of the second Test in Gqeberha. After being bowled out for only 99 in their first innings, Australia have reached 156/4 in their follow-on second innings. However, the visitors still trail by 170 runs, entering the final day. Australia's hopes rest on Travis Head, who is unbeaten on 87, while the likes of Steve Smith and Alex Carey are yet to bat. South Africa captain Temba Bavuma, on the other hand, will rely on Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen and co. to help them register a sensational win and level the series. (Live Scorecard)

[2nd Test, Australia in South Africa, 3 Test Series, 2026, Oct 18, 2026 Day 5 | Wet Ground Condition - [x] notify SA 425/9d AUS (f/o) 99&156/4 (54.0) St George's Park, Gqeberha Australia won the toss and elected to field CRR: 2.89 Batsman Travis Head 87* (138) Scott Boland 2 (23) Bowler Simon Harmer 47/2 (18) Aiden Markram 18/0 (7)](https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/sa-vs-aus-scorecard-live-cricket-score-australia-in-south-africa-3-test-series-2026-2nd-test-saau10182026269791#pfrom=insidearticle)

SA vs AUS 2nd Test Day 5 LIVE

2. ! 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.

3. ! 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.

4. ! 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.

5. ! 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.

6. ! 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. ! 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.

8. ! 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!

9. ! 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.

10. ! 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!

11. ! 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!

13. ! 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!

14. ! 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.

15. ! 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.

16. ! 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.

17. ! Game stopped due to : Wet Ground Condition

18. ! Game stopped due to : Rain Stoppage

19. ! Game stopped due to : Wet Ground Condition

20. 53.6 0 Simon Harmer to Scott Boland

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.