Simon Harmer produced top-class fielding with a sensational one-handed catch to remove Marnus Labuschagne in 2nd Test.

Australia are facing an uphill battle, with the hosts firmly in control on Day 4.

Australia are facing an uphill battle in the second Test against South Africa at St George’s Park, with the hosts firmly in control heading into the closing stages of Day 4. The visitors have struggled to withstand the relentless pressure from the Proteas, losing six wickets for just 67 runs in their second innings while attempting to overcome a substantial deficit.

Amid South Africa’s dominant bowling performance, Simon Harmer produced one of the most spectacular moments of the match with a sensational one-handed catch to send Marnus Labuschagne back to the pavilion. The remarkable effort highlighted South Africa’s sharp fielding and added to Australia’s growing troubles in the must-win contest.

Simon Harmer pulls off a stunning catch to dismiss Marnus Labuschagne

The dismissal came on the sixth ball of the 14th over when Anrich Nortje found the outside edge of Labuschagne’s bat. The Australian batter was tempted into playing an attacking drive against a pitched-up delivery, but the ball appeared to move away just enough to produce the edge.

What followed was a moment of exceptional athleticism from Harmer. Positioned at third slip, the South African spinner reacted instantly and moved across towards the second-slip region, where the ball was travelling rapidly. He stretched out his left hand and completed a breathtaking catch, leaving the Australian batter with little chance of survival.

The speed of the edge made the effort particularly impressive, as Harmer had very little time to adjust his position. His reflexes and anticipation allowed him to pluck the ball out of the air with one hand, triggering celebrations among the South African players.

Here’s the video:

An absolute ripper of a catch from Harmer. It was second slip's catch 4 dawn Australia #AUSvsSA #SAvsAUS #TestCricket pic.twitter.com/iRxXgm9BqE

— @CricketPulse (@VikashJajra4500) October 21, 2026

Temba Bavuma’s monumental knock turns the match around

South Africa’s commanding position has been built on a remarkable recovery with the bat. After the hosts were reduced to 97/5 on Day 2, Australia appeared to have established a firm grip on the contest. However, captain Temba Bavuma produced a career-best 179 to revive the innings and put the pressure back on the visitors. He received valuable support from Marco Jansen, who scored 85, and Harmer, whose contribution of 82 helped South Africa reach an imposing 425/9 before declaring.

The lower-order resistance proved decisive, transforming a potentially vulnerable position into a formidable first-innings total. Australia’s bowlers had opportunities to finish the innings earlier but could not prevent the Proteas from building a commanding lead.

Marco Jansen leads South Africa’s bowling dominance

Australia’s response with the bat has been equally disappointing. Steve Smith attempted to resist the collapse with a patient 24 off 71 deliveries, but the rest of the lineup struggled to establish any meaningful partnerships. Jansen emerged as the chief destroyer with four wickets, repeatedly breaking Australia’s resistance and leaving the visitors in serious trouble.

With Australia trailing by 358 runs and six wickets already down at 67/6, the pressure is mounting on the remaining batters to produce an extraordinary recovery.

Having won the opening Test in Durban by 214 runs, Australia now face the possibility of seeing their advantage disappear. South Africa, meanwhile, are closing in on a victory that could level the three-match series, with Harmer’s stunning catch serving as another reminder of their all-round dominance.