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South Africa have levelled the series against Australia in emphatic fashion, winning the rain-affected Gqeberha Test by an innings and 31 runs.

It is quite a remarkable victory considering over 140 overs were lost to rain and the Proteas were 110/6 after 50 overs on day three. Marco Jansen’s onslaught turned the match on its head, combining with the resilient and ever-resolute Temba Bavuma (179) to shift the momentum. Then, Simon Harmer’s contribution alongside Bavuma took South Africa past 400.

However, for their decision to bat on to prove a masterstroke, South Africa needed to dismiss Australia cheaply on day four. And that they did. The Proteas breathed fire, producing a dominant and hostile bowling display to roll the visitors for just 99.

That 326-run lead was the perfect opportunity to enforce the follow on.

After taking a four second innings wickets on the fourth evening, South Africa would’ve been nervous watching somewhat unexpected rain that washed out the first session of day five. And perhaps the nerves were increasing that little bit more as Scott Boland and Travis Head batted for nearly 30 overs together. However, South Africa’s biggest star of day five – Wiaan Mulder – prized out the wicket of Head just before the second new ball, and it proved crucial.

An uncomfortable Steve Smith, hampered by a neck issue, was out soon after the new ball was taken. Boland, who had faced an incredible 165 deliveries, was continuing to fight hard, until a magnificent nip-backer from Mulder breached his defence. The seamer’s ability to hone in on the stumps came up trumps once again, beating Pat Cummins on the outside edge to hit the top of offstump and reduce Australia to 262/8.

From there, it was only a matter of time. Kagiso Rabada came back on to remove Mitchell Starc after some brief resistance, taking his tally to six wickets for the match in a very successful return. Then, fittingly, Marco Jansen took the last wicket to fall, capping off an incredible Test where he scored a match-turning 85 and snapped up six wickets.

Concerns for Australia as South Africa produce stirring fightback in Gqeberha

The nature of the defeat will raise questions for Australia. Their shot selection left plenty to be desired, many of which coach Andrew McDonald said he “can’t defend.” The fact they lost 19 wickets in the final two days is cause for disappoinment and concern.

“Some of the shots that we played in the scenario – we knew we had a lot of work to do at the start of the day and I think some of the shots that some of the players played today (day four), they’d take back,” said McDonald on Wednesday, as quoted by cricket.com.au.

“There was some batter error there, and I think we are better than that, but as it sits right now, I can’t defend that.”

Nic Maddinson’s spot at the top of the order will be under the spotlight again after he looked well off the pace. Marnus Labuschagne’s starts, plus Smith’s neck issue, are other headaches for the visitors. Also, how they keep Scott Boland in the team is another point of conjecture. Whether they can piece it altogether and regroup quickly at Newlands will make for interesting viewing.

On the flip side, South Africa would be thrilled with their fightback after a poor performance in Durban and difficult start to the Gqeberha Test. Player of the match Temba Bavuma was at the heart of it, fighting through difficult periods against disciplined Australian bowling. He then received brilliant support from his lower order.

SA vs AUS 2nd Test Reactions: The Proteas hammer Australia to take series to a Newlands decider

Here are some of the reactions to a magnificent victory for the Proteas in Gqeberha.

The Newlands Test begins on Tuesday October 27, with all to play for.