The Magnificent March 1995-2005
Australia staged a terrific comeback to win the second Test against South Africa by two wickets, at Port Elizabeth in March 1997.
Electing to bowl, the visitors bowled out the Proteas for 209 in the first innings but were soon slipping away. They put up only 108 runs on the board in reply.
By the end of the second day, South Africa held a tight grip on the game, finishing on 83 for no loss.
But Jason Gillespie got the breakthrough on the third morning, when he had Gary Kirsten, to sow the South African collapse. Gillespie and Michael Bevan, with his unorthodox left-arm spin, rocked the batting line-up with three wickets each as the hosts were all out for 168.
The target of 270 in the fourth innings of a low-scoring game was always going to be difficult. But Mark Waugh came up with a gem of an innings to keep the hosts at bay. He scored 116, off 228 balls, and took his team to the threshold of victory. He departed when Australia needed 12 runs for a win.
Even though the lower order caved in under pressure, old warhorse Ian Healy kept the flag flying and coasted Australia to a two-wicket win.
Australia won the series 2-1.
