South Africa defeated Australia by an innings and 31 runs in the second Test at Gqeberha from October 18 to 22, 2026. The hosts’ victory came after Australia posted 99 and 295 across two innings, leaving them vulnerable in their follow-on. During Australia’s second innings, Marnus Labuschagne fell to a moment of misjudgement that proved costly in the context of the match.
Spinner Simon Harmer was operating from the Duck Pond End on the fourth afternoon when the incident unfolded. Conditions at St George’s Park were challenging, with a howling gale sweeping across the ground. Australia had reached 100 for 1 in their follow-on when Labuschagne, batting on 39, attempted an aggressive stroke that would define his innings. Labuschagne advanced down the pitch with intent to hit into the wind, but the ball hung in the air and Marco Jansen took a superbly judged catch.
“I don’t know what he was thinking. Obviously, I’ve played a lot of cricket at St George’s Park and it funnels through that corner of the old stand and the duck pond. A lot of times you think you’ve got enough of it, but it just gets held up in the wind,” Harmer said as quoted by Cricinfo.
Harmer, who has spent 11 years at St George’s Park and claimed 105 first-class wickets at the venue at an average of 24.89, understood the ground’s peculiarities better than most. The South African spinner acknowledged Labuschagne’s quality while reflecting on the dismissal.
“I’m sure he’ll be disappointed in hindsight, especially when they were looking to draw the Test. He’s a world-class player and I’m sure he’ll bounce back,” Harmer added.
How does the venue’s wind affect batters?
South Africa captain Temba Bavuma also highlighted how the venue’s wind can become a factor for batters unfamiliar with its effects. Bavuma explained that the boundary dimensions at St George’s Park can be deceptive, and opposition players may underestimate the role of atmospheric conditions.
“I think those are just the nuances of playing here in St George’s. You can kind of see a shortish boundary and you can underestimate the fact that the wind plays a factor, you know. So, yeah, he didn’t get all of it, all of that ball; Marnus and the wind did what it did, right? It held it [up] and, probably had to guy with the safest hands within the team, Marco Jansen, to catch it,” Bavuma said.
What is Labuschagne’s recent form?
Labuschagne’s dismissal marked his fifth score between 31 and 39 across his last eight Test innings. The Australian batter has faced mounting pressure on his position, having gone 14 innings without a fifty. His form has become a focal point for selectors as Australia prepares for the final Test of the series at Cape Town from October 27 to 31.
Australian captain Pat Cummins acknowledged that Labuschagne has been performing the foundational work required at the crease but has struggled to convert starts into substantial scores.
“He’s actually doing the hard bit, he’s getting to 30. I think he’s got to find a way to turn those into bigger scores; 30s aren’t going to win you many matches,” Cummins said.
Labuschagne was previously dropped in mid-2025 following the World Test Championship final against South Africa, where he had been given a one-off opportunity to open the innings. He missed only three Tests in the West Indies before returning for the Ashes series. His current sequence without a half-century has intensified scrutiny around his place in the squad.
What are Cummins’ selection concerns?
Cummins indicated that the selection panel faces a difficult decision regarding Labuschagne’s future in the team. The captain noted that Cameron Green and Josh Inglis are expected to be available for the final Test, adding to the options under consideration.
“It’s always the challenge of, do you give someone one more game or do you feel like now’s the right time to make a move? So that’s what will be spoken about in the next few days. I think we will probably have [Cameron] Green and Josh Inglis available for next week so I’m sure their names will get thrown around as well when we try and work out 11. But it’s always that delicate balance. Do we feel like someone’s just about to turn the corner and they’re going to be away, or does it now feel like the right time for a change-up?,” Cummins added.
Nic Maddinson and Beau Webster were also facing pressure on their positions as Australia prepared for the decider at Newlands.
