Travis Head's fighting 121 leaves Australia battling to save the Gqeberha Test
Travis Head made 121 on the final day of the second Test at St George's Park before Wiaan Mulder bowled him, as Australia fought to save the match after following on. At about 13:35 local time, midway through the afternoon session, they were 213 for 5, still 113 runs behind South Africa's 425 for 9 declared, according to ESPNcricinfo.
A wet start
Australia began the day on 156 for 4, 170 behind, after being bowled out for 99 in their first innings on day four. Squalls blew over the ground and kept the players off until after lunch, ESPNcricinfo said.
Up to 82 overs were left to be bowled once play started, cricket.com.au reported. After Head's dismissal, ESPNcricinfo showed at least 58 overs remaining, and South Africa needed five more wickets to level the series.
Head's hundred
Head needed 13 more runs on the final day. He reached three figures with two boundaries off Marco Jansen, cricket.com.au reported. He had been dropped on five by Jansen at gully.
It was only his second Test hundred outside Australia, after his century against India in the 2023 World Test Championship final.
When the game came to him, he took advantage, and then there were other times where the field was out, they were bowling well, and he took his time.
Head falls, Smith arrives
Scott Boland dug in alongside Head, facing more than 100 balls for 18. Head then chopped a back-of-length ball from Mulder onto his stumps, five overs before the new ball was due, ESPNcricinfo reported.
Steve Smith, who had dropped down the order with a sore neck, came in next. He survived a thick edge off Mulder that Ryan Rickelton could not hold. Simon Harmer had taken the wickets of Marnus Labuschagne and Beau Webster on the fourth evening.
| Innings | Score |
|---|---|
| South Africa, 1st innings | 425 for 9 declared |
| Australia, 1st innings | 99 all out |
| Australia, 2nd innings (follow-on) | 213 for 5 after 76 overs (in progress, about 13:35 SAST) |
| Head | 121 off 190 balls, 15 fours, b Mulder |
