Temba Bavuma struck a career-best 179 to power South Africa into a commanding position in the second Test against Australia at St George’s Park in Gqeberha, with the Proteas declaring on 425 for 9 before landing an immediate blow as Australia closed Day 3 on 3 for 1, trailing by 422 runs.
The captain’s masterclass rescued the hosts from deep trouble. Resuming on 97 for 5, South Africa slumped to 110 for 6 before Bavuma mounted a superb fightback, first joining forces with Marco Jansen in a 132-run seventh-wicket partnership. Jansen attacked with gusto, smashing 85 off 100 balls in an innings featuring nine fours and three sixes.
Bavuma then found an even more durable ally in Simon Harmer, and the pair rewrote the record books with a South African Test-record 182-run eighth-wicket stand. Harmer chipped in with 82 as the partnership wore down Australia’s attack and allowed the hosts to declare on an imposing 425 for 9.
The South African skipper’s monumental innings consumed more than nine hours at the crease, spanning 334 deliveries and studded with 18 fours and a six. Australia’s most successful bowler was Scott Boland, who finished with figures of 5 for 81 despite the relentless pressure exerted by Bavuma and his partners.
Any hope Australia harboured of reaching stumps unscathed vanished almost immediately. Kagiso Rabada struck with the fourth ball of the tourists’ reply, dismissing Nic Maddinson for a duck, and Australia trudged off at 3 for 1 with Travis Head and nightwatchman Boland set to resume on Day 4.
South Africa’s official X account captured the mood ahead of the fourth day, writing: “The Proteas delivered some tremendous cricket yesterday, declaring on 425/9 after 127.1 overs! Australia came under pressure from the outset and will resume today on 3/1 after 4 overs, still trailing by 422 runs.” The post also confirmed that the action can be followed live on SuperSport channel 212 and SABC 3.
With two days remaining, South Africa will look to tighten their grip and push for a series-levelling victory ahead of the final Test in Cape Town. For Bavuma, a career-best score and a record-breaking partnership have already turned a precarious position into a platform for a statement result, leaving Australia facing an enormous challenge to stay in the match.
Day 3 stumps: South Africa 425/9 declared; Australia 3/1 in four overs; Australia trail by 422 runs.
Original Source: https://www.cricketworld.com/cricket-world-live-south-africa-vs-australia-2nd-test-day-5-live-cricket-scores-ball-by-ball-commentary-and-match-updates/113868.htm
Category:
Tags:
Publish Date: 2026-10-22 20:42:00
