Bavuma’s marathon knock revives South Africa’s Test hopes, but can they still chase Australia?

South Africa’s captain Temba Bavuma rescued his side in the second Test at Gqeberha on day three, compiling a career‑best 179 to take the Proteas to 425‑9 declared. The innings, which lasted 552 minutes across three days, came after South Africa found themselves 12‑2 early on day one and later 110‑6 on the third. Bavuma’s partnership of 132 with Marco Jansen and a record 183 stand with number nine Simon Harmer – the highest eighth‑wicket partnership in South African Test history – set the platform for the declaration with just half an hour left in the session.

Kagiso Rabada added to the pressure on Australia’s opening batsman Nic Maddinson, nicking him off the first ball of the visitors’ reply. Bavuma’s effort matched the impact of Matthew Renshaw’s 190 in the first Test, perhaps even more given the momentum Australia had built after South Africa’s earlier batting collapses and the strength of the Australian attack.

The 179 was Bavuma’s fifth Test century, arriving a decade after his debut hundred that made him the first Black African to score a Test hundred for the Proteas. He described the innings as “definitely one of my best,” noting the quality of the opposition bowling, “that attack has at least three bowlers in the top ten of the rankings, there is a reason why.”

The knock also marked Bavuma’s fourth century in 14 Tests as captain, raising his average as skipper to 54.36 compared with 34.53 before he took over the role – a striking improvement.

Bavuma’s dismissal, caught behind off Mitchell Starc, prompted South Africa to declare with thirty minutes remaining. The decision came after Harmer was bowled by Marnus Labuschagne just before Bavuma’s wicket. With floodlights on and the sky dark, conditions favored seam bowling, and Maddinson survived only four balls before edging to third slip. Umpires soon ruled the light insufficient for seam work, and after three overs of spin the play was halted.

Reflecting on the timing of the declaration, Bavuma said, “There was thought of that. I was a little hesitant because of the weather. If we had declared a bit early we would have got one or two more overs. We got the one we wanted. I hope things go our way and we set ourselves to be on the field for the majority of those two days.”

Only 42 overs were possible across the first two days, leaving South Africa with a slim chance of victory on days four and five, ideally by dismissing Australia cheaply and enforcing the follow‑on. “We have given ourselves a chance,” Bavuma said. “There is the other side of the draw but going into the third Test in Cape Town, whatever confidence we can get here, being able to put their bowlers on their feet for a considerable amount of time, hopefully that can pay off in the long run.”