SA vs AUS, 2nd Test: Bavuma’s epic 179 puts South Africa on front foot

Temba Bavuma notched his highest score in Test cricket. | Photo Credit: AP

Temba Bavuma led from the front with an epic 179 to rescue South Africa from 110 for six and put it in a commanding position on the third day of its second Test against Australia in Gqeberha on Tuesday, October 20.

Bavuma’s 334-ball marathon saw him share century stands with Marco Jansen and Simon Harmer as South Africa posted an imposing 425 for nine before declaring.

Kagiso Rabada then removed Nic Maddinson for a duck four balls into the Australian innings to complete a day of dominance for the host.

South Africa began the day on 97 for five, and sunk further when Wiaan Mulder fell to a Mitchell Starc bouncer, but Marco Jansen’s arrival at the crease changed the momentum of the game. The lanky all-rounder took the attack to the visitor, battering nine fours and three sixes in his 85.

Together with Bavuma, he added 132 before falling to the second new ball, but Harmer would prove an equally resolute partner for his captain.

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The diminutive Proteas skipper reached his fifth Test ton soon after Harmer’s arrival with a pull off Pat Cummins, and the pair went about piling on the runs against a tiring Australian attack. Harmer added a career-best 82 in their 183-run union, while Bavuma too notched his highest score in Tests.

With the score in excess of 400, both batters eventually fell on consecutive deliveries, and with his own dismissal Bavuma opted to bring the South African innings to a close after 127.1 overs.