South Africa's innings-and-31-run demolition in Gqeberha has left Australia's shaky batting order facing hard questions before the series decider.
South Africa have put Australia firmly on the back foot. They won the second Test in Gqeberha by an innings and 31 runs, and the result exposed a visiting batting lineup that simply could not cope. The Proteas now head to Cape Town with momentum and a team in disarray on the other side.
The damage was done in Australia's first innings, when they folded for just 99. That collapse set the tone for the match and left the tourists chasing the game from the start. For a side with a long reputation for resilience, it was a jarring and uncomfortable watch.
Now the pressure shifts to the Australian selectors. They have shown on this tour that they will tinker with their bowling attack, but they have historically been slow to drop proven batters. After a display like this, that loyalty is likely to be tested. One or two changes, perhaps more, could be on the table as they look for a fix.
With less than a week before the decider, Australia have little time to repair the cracks. South Africa, meanwhile, can head to Cape Town with confidence and a chance to close out the series on home soil. The old saying that it is harder to leave the Australian side than to join it may be about to meet its sternest challenge.
