South Africa edged closer to victory in the second Test against Australia on day four after enforcing a follow-on.

Marco Jansen took a five-wicket haul as Australia were skittled out for just 99 in their first batting innings, while they were left 156-4 at stumps ahead of the final day.

Travis Head (14) and nightwatchman Scott Boland (2) took to the crease in the morning session, but the latter was dismissed in the second over of the day by Jansen (5-33), who trapped Head LBW shortly after.

Matt Renshaw (12), Alex Carey (0) and Beau Webster (13) fell in the space of eight overs, all to Jansen, while Steve Smith (28) saw his innings ended by Wiaan Mulder (2-14).

Pat Cummins (7) was the final wicket as the Proteas enforced the follow-on, and it was another poor start for the tourists as Nic Maddison (8) edged behind off Kagiso Rabada (2-30) in the third over.

Marnus Labuschagne (39) fell short of a half-century once again, before Renshaw (11) and Webster (8) were also dismissed for a second time on Thursday.

Head's unbeaten 87 offered some hope for Australia, who still trail by 170 runs, and just as it was at the end of day three, the opener finished the final session alongside Boland (2) at the crease.

Stumps, Day 4! An excellent day for #TheProteas as they put themselves in a commanding position heading into the final day of this second Dafabet Test!  Australia end the day on 156/4 after 54 overs in their second innings, following-on and still trailing by 170 runs.  #Unbreakable #SAvAUS

— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) October 21, 2026

Proteas close in on victory

After a flying start with the ball on day four, South Africa would have been keen to wrap things up with a day to spare, but Head had other plans.

His unbeaten 87 somewhat saved face for Australia, who are staring down the barrel following another batting collapse.

For the third time this series, Labuschagne has been dismissed in the 30s, while Maddison failed to hit double digits in either of his innings in this match.

Jansen, meanwhile, took his fifth five-fer in Tests and his first against Australia in the longest format.

Only against India (36) has Jansen taken more Test wickets than he has against Australia (17), and he may need to step up again on day five.

Anrich Nortje left the field with a suspected groin injury and did not return, leaving him unlikely to feature on the final day.