South Africa vs Australia, 2nd Test Day 4: Bavuma’s Brilliant 179 Puts Proteas in Command
South Africa will head into Day 4 of the second Test against Australia at St George’s Park, Gqeberha, in a commanding position after captain Temba Bavuma struck a career-best 179 to inspire a remarkable recovery on the third day.
Resuming on 97/5, South Africa slipped to 110/6 before Bavuma led an outstanding fightback, sharing a 132-run seventh-wicket partnership with Marco Jansen, who smashed 85 off 100 balls, including nine fours and three sixes.
Bavuma then combined with Simon Harmer (82) in a South African Test record eighth-wicket stand of 182 runs, helping the hosts declare on an imposing 425/9.
The South African captain’s magnificent innings lasted more than nine hours, spanning 334 deliveries and featuring 18 fours and a six. Scott Boland was Australia’s leading bowler, finishing with figures of 5/81.
Kagiso Rabada then struck almost immediately, dismissing Nic Maddinson for a duck with the fourth ball of Australia’s reply.
Australia closed Day 3 on 3/1, with Travis Head and nightwatchman Scott Boland at the crease, trailing South Africa by 422 runs.
With two days remaining, South Africa will look to build on their dominant position on Day 4 as they aim to level the Test series ahead of the final match in Cape Town.
Day 3 Stumps: South Africa 425/9 declared | Australia 3/1 (4 overs) | Australia trail by 422 runs.
It’s Day 4! ??
#TheProteas 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. ??
Catch all the action live on SuperSport channel 212 and SABC 3! ??
#Unbreakable #SAvAUS— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) October 21, 2026
