Bavuma’s triumph of application flips second Test on Aussies

South Africa captain Temba Bavuma scored a career-best 179 on day three of the second Test against Australia at St George's Park in Gqeberha. His resilient innings turned the match around after South Africa had slumped to 6-110, allowing the hosts to mount a massive recovery before eventually declaring. Australia reached stumps under fading light having already lost opener Nic Maddinson for a duck to Kagiso Rabada.

Bavuma's marathon 334-ball knock was supported by century partnerships with Marco Jansen, who struck 85 off 100 balls, and Simon Harmer, who contributed 82 in a record 183-run eighth-wicket stand. Scott Boland claimed his third Test five-wicket haul for Australia, but Pat Cummins' bowling attack struggled to break South Africa's lower order as the hosts seized control of the contest.