South Africa crush Australia by an innings to level cricket Test series

South Africa stormed back to level their Test series against Australia, crushing the tourists by an innings and 31 runs in the second Test despite losing most of the first two days to rain.

A result had seemed far-fetched when the weather wiped out the opening sessions, with Australia having won the first Test. But captain Temba Bavuma's magnificent 179 led a fightback that saw South Africa declare and then unleash their formidable pace attack.

Chasing the imposing total, Australia resumed their second innings on 156 for 4 with Travis Head unbeaten on a century — his 13th in Tests and only his second outside Australia. But the pace trio of Wiaan Mulder, Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen took the last four wickets required in the final session.

Mulder, who had earlier dismissed Head, bowled Scott Boland — who resisted for 166 balls — and then castled Australia captain Pat Cummins to complete the victory.

Steve Smith, battling a neck problem, managed only three before falling to Rabada, while Alex Carey was left stranded on 37 not out. Australia were dismissed for 295, with Cummins admitting his side were 'a long way from our best'.

Bavuma said his side had been 'scrambling a bit, not sure about the weather' but were delighted to have forced a result.

The series is level at 1-1, with the final Test at Newlands in Cape Town starting on Tuesday.