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'We make it hard for ourselves sometimes' – Pat Cummins on Australia's crushing defeat in 2nd Test vs South Africa

Australia suffered an innings and 31-run loss to South Africa in the second Test at Gqeberha from October 18-22, 2026, marking their first innings defeat since 2023 and only their third follow-on since 1988. Despite a 214-run win in Durban, the visitors struggled as South Africa posted 425 for 9 declared, led by Temba Bavuma's 179 and Marco Jansen's 85.

Australia collapsed for 99 in their first turn at the bat and added 295 in the second, though Travis Head's 121 was insufficient to avoid the loss.

Captain Pat Cummins, who scored 11 runs and took no wickets, admitted the team often complicates their own path to victory. He noted batting inconsistencies, including Marnus Labuschagne's lack of a century since July 2023 and poor returns from Nic Maddinson (0 and 8) and Beau Webster (13 and 8).

Looking toward the final Test at Newlands, Cummins mentioned Matthew Renshaw's strong Durban performance and indicated that Cameron Green and Josh Inglis would be key considerations for the squad.

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