South Africa's Ryan Rickelton says the Proteas are relishing the chance to take on fierce rivals Australia in the decisive Test match at Newlands with the series tied 1-1.
South Africa secured an emphatic innings-and-31-run victory over Australia at St George's Park to level the Test series, breaking through stubborn second-innings resistance.
Mitchell Starc claimed his 450th Test wicket at St George's Park, but Temba Bavuma's career-best 179 helped South Africa seize complete control of the second Test.
Scott Boland struck four times as Australia decimated South Africa's top order following prolonged rain delays at St George’s Park, leaving the hosts on 97/5.
Persistent rain severely limited play on Day 1 of the second Test in Gqeberha, leaving South Africa struggling at 20/2 after Scott Boland removed Aiden Markram and David Bedingham in consecutive balls.
Josh Hazlewood believes pitch conditions at St George’s Park will dictate whether reverse swing again plays a decisive role in the second Test, while South Africa prepares to welcome back Kagiso Rabada.
Temba Bavuma has defended South Africa's team balance despite the Durban Test defeat to Australia, acknowledging the Kingsmead pitch defied expectations as the Proteas prepare for a pivotal second Test at St George's Park.
South Africa suffered an emphatic 214-run defeat against Australia in the first Test in Durban after being bowled out for 206, exposing glaring concerns in their batting lineup.
Australia declared at 314/6 after a rapid cameo from Pat Cummins, setting South Africa a daunting 421-run target on Day 4 of the first Test in Durban before Josh Hazlewood struck early blows.
Matt Renshaw's marathon 190 spearheaded Australia's fightback to reach 390 on Day 2 of the first Test in Durban before South Africa lost an early wicket in fading light.
South Africa's seam attack left Australia reeling at 124/6 before an unbeaten stand between Matt Renshaw and Pat Cummins guided the visitors to 187/6 ahead of an early stumps due to bad light in Durban.
Kagiso Rabada has been ruled out of the opening Test against Australia at Kingsmead, paving the way for fast bowler Anrich Nortje to provide the X-factor as South Africa begins its title defence.
Former captain Dean Elgar reflects on the fiery South Africa versus Australia cricket rivalry, the fallout of Sandpapergate, and the Proteas' chances in their upcoming home Test series.
