--- title: "Australian Team Bowled Out for 99 Runs on Day Two of Second Test Against South Africa" url: https://noti.group/australian-team-bowled-out-for-99-runs-on-day-two-of-second-test/ language: en publisher: "Noti Group" section: "Sports" published: 2026-10-21T16:52:25.000Z updated: 2026-10-21T22:41:56.835Z id: 79c6bf7e-57ec-4caf-8102-0e589a22bc40 source: "BBC Sport https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/articles/ckzd6r577qvdo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss" attribution: "Link to https://noti.group/australian-team-bowled-out-for-99-runs-on-day-two-of-second-test/ and name Noti Group when you quote or summarize this story." --- # Australian Team Bowled Out for 99 Runs on Day Two of Second Test Against South Africa Australia suffered a shocking collapse on day two of the second Test against South Africa, being bowled out for just 99 runs in their first innings. This marked a rare occurrence for the Australian team, who had not been asked to follow-on in an away Test since 2005. The previous instance was at Nottingham's Trent Bridge during the Ashes series, where Shane Warne's spin masterclass left Australia reeling. In fact, this was only Australia's second experience of being asked to follow-on anywhere in the world over the past 38 years. Their first-innings lead of 425-9 declared by South Africa has been their biggest since 1984, and they were unable to capitalize on it. Instead, they conceded a significant advantage to the hosts. Travis Head is still at the crease with an unbeaten 87, but his efforts have not been enough to salvage Australia's second innings. The team is currently struggling at 156-4, which means they are still 170 runs behind South Africa's total. This puts them in a precarious position going into the final day of play. The Australian batting line-up has been inconsistent throughout the series, with some players performing well while others have struggled. Former opener Simon Katich noted that several players are "playing for their careers" in this innings, which may explain the team's determination to turn things around. With a day left to play, South Africa now appear likely to win the Test and level the series. The Proteas' bowlers will be eager to capitalize on Australia's struggles and secure a vital victory at home. The Australian team's batting woes continue, as they struggle to find consistency in their performances. After being bowled out for 132 in the first Test of the Ashes last winter, they managed a respectable score of 511 in Brisbane, but this was followed by another low of 198 against Bangladesh. This inconsistency has been a recurring theme throughout the series, with even their most notable successes tempered by disappointing performances. For instance, Matt Renshaw's impressive 190 in the first-Test win in Durban could not be matched by any other Australian batsman, who failed to reach a half-century. The pressure is mounting on Marnus Labuschagne, who appears to be at risk of losing his place in the team. He will have to wait until the third Test in Cape Town to try and redeem himself, as he won't get another chance to bat for his position before then. Labuschagne's recent performances have been underwhelming, with a score of 39 being his highest in the series so far. His dismissal was particularly costly, as it came after surviving an lbw decision on review just three balls earlier. Katich has expressed surprise at Labuschagne's decision to try and hit spinner Simon Harmer over long-on, especially considering the breeze and Australia's efforts to play for a draw. Australia's selectors are likely to scrutinize every aspect of Marnus Labuschagne's dismissal, given the context of his recent form and selection. Nic Maddinson is also facing an uncertain future after being recalled to the team at 34, a latecomer to international cricket by most standards. He has struggled to adapt to opening the batting against top-class opposition, with scores that have been inconsistent at best. His technique has been exposed in both innings, leaving him with two ducks and a modest score of 48. Maddinson's struggles are all the more puzzling given his experience in the middle order, where he is seen as a reliable performer. However, his inability to cope with the demands of opening has led to some difficult decisions being made by Australian selectors. The fact that Sam Konstas, once touted as Australia's next opener, has been thriving for New South Wales at home only adds to Maddinson's woes. Jansen was instrumental in Australia's collapse on Wednesday morning, taking 5-33 in the first innings and continuing his impressive form into the second. His left-arm swing proved too much for several Australian batsmen, including Renshaw, Carey, and Beau Webster, who were all caught between wicketkeeper and gully as he ripped through the middle order. Webster's demise was particularly significant, coming as it did in the final 20 minutes of play. He will now be looking over his shoulder, wondering if his place in the team is secure. The Australian team is facing a daunting task after their batting lineup crumbled under pressure on day three. Head's decision to drop him on five at gully proved pivotal as he cut sharply and the towering seamer made no other mistakes throughout the day. With Steve Smith still receiving treatment for an apparent neck issue, his potential arrival has added intrigue to the proceedings and raised more questions about Australia's XI selection. The South African bowlers are on a roll, having taken advantage of the Australian batting woes to put themselves in a strong position to wrap up the match. The Australians' chances of recovery have been further complicated by the loss of wickets, leaving them facing an uphill battle to stay in the game. The Australian batting lineup continued to crumble under pressure as the South African bowlers tightened their grip on the game. In a span of just four overs, the Australians lost three wickets: Head was lbw for 14, Labuschagne was caught at slip by Harmer off Nortje's bowling, and Webster was also caught in similar fashion. Jansen had earlier accounted for Renshaw and Carey with edges that found their way to the slips. With Smith falling to Mulder for 28, followed by Cummins just 11 balls later, Australia's chances of recovery were severely diminished. The team eventually folded for a paltry 99 runs, their lowest score in Test cricket since being bowled out for 91 by India in Nagpur two years ago. --- Source: [BBC Sport](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/articles/ckzd6r577qvdo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss) Published by Noti Group: https://noti.group/australian-team-bowled-out-for-99-runs-on-day-two-of-second-test/