Simon Harmer says South Africa now know Australia batters can be pressured
Simon Harmer says South Africa now understand they can pressure Australia's batters after their innings victory at Gqeberha.
South Africa spinner Simon Harmer said his team realises Australia's batters can be put under sustained pressure after their innings victory in Gqeberha. The result levelled the series at 1-1 with the decider set for Newlands in Cape Town starting October 27.
Harmer credited the bowlers for maintaining discipline across both innings despite losing two days to rain. South Africa dismissed Australia for 99 and 295 while enforcing the follow-on for the first time in the series.
Scott Boland's five-wicket haul and 166-ball resistance strengthened his case for selection ahead of either Josh Hazlewood or Mitchell Starc. Australia must decide whether to retain four seamers or recall Nathan Lyon for the final Test.
CricHubb Take
South Africa's confidence stems from exposing Australia's top-order vulnerability rather than their own batting depth. The result validates their decision to persist with spin on a drop-in pitch despite conventional wisdom favouring four seamers.