Temba Bavuma demonstrated the captain's skill by scoring 179 runs—the best result of his career—which allowed South Africa to avoid disaster and take control of the second Test match against Australia, played at St George's Park on Tuesday.
The third day of the match began with a score of 97/5 after two days interrupted by rain. The Proteas were in danger of losing the match and the series. When Wieand Mulder retired early after Mitchell Starc scored 13 runs, the hosts found themselves in a difficult position with the score at 110/6, giving Australia hope.
However, Bavuma found a brilliant partner for the counterattack in Marco Jansen. This tall batter completely changed the course of the game, scoring 85 runs off 100 balls in an intense partnership that totaled 132 runs and caused concern for Pat Cummins' team.
Although Scott Boland eventually dismissed Jansen, taking deserved five wickets (5/81), South Africa's resistance did not end. Simon Harmer then joined his captain, slowing down the second new ball and earning his first half-century in the match.
Harmer's excellent 82 runs became part of a century partnership that pushed the Proteas past 400 runs, leaving the Australian attack completely exhausted. Bavuma, spending over six hours at the crease, reached his fifth century in the series, surpassing his previous record of 172 runs.
When he finally received a final delivery from Starc, scoring 179 runs, the captain declared the innings closed, setting the score at 425/9 as the light faded. This strategic move brought immediate dividends.
Kgosi Rabada started acting from the very first over, tempting Nick Maddinson to the outside edge, which went straight to Harmer, resulting in a wicket. The forced Australian team brought on night watchman Scott Boland along with Travis Head to navigate the tense final overs and finish the session at 3/1.
Since Australia was still trailing by 422 runs, and the Proteas' batting lineup was ready to strike on the fourth day, Bavuma's marathon resistance completely changed the course of this Test match.