South Africa firmly seized control of the second Test against Australia on Tuesday after captain Temba Bavuma crafted a magnificent career-best 179 at St George’s Park. Having resumed in a precarious position following rain-shortened opening sessions, the hosts eventually declared their first innings at 425 for nine before strike bowler Kagiso Rabada removed Australia cheaply before stumps.
Australia closed out the third day reeling at three for one after Rabada dismissed opener Nic Maddinson for a duck with only the fourth ball of the innings. The touring side now face a massive uphill battle to save the match as the pitch continues to offer variable challenges under fading light.
Bavuma and Lower Order Crush Australian Hopes
- Temba Bavuma batted for over nine hours, facing 334 deliveries and striking 18 fours and a single six.
- Marco Jansen contributed a blistering 85 runs off 100 balls, smashing nine fours and three sixes.
- Bavuma and Simon Harmer set a new South African Test record of 182 runs for the eighth wicket.
- Kagiso Rabada struck immediately in the final session, removing Nic Maddinson caught at third slip for a duck.
Record-Breaking Partnerships Put Hosts Ahead
South Africa’s recovery stands out as one of the most resilient performances of the series. After slipping to 97 for five overnight, the innings was completely transformed through gritty resistance and aggressive lower-order hitting. Bavuma first combined with all-rounder Marco Jansen in a brisk seventh-wicket stand of 132 runs that altered the momentum entirely. The stark height difference between the diminutive Bavuma and the towering Jansen made it exceptionally difficult for Australian bowlers to settle into a consistent length.
Following Jansen’s dismissal, Bavuma found another resolute partner in Simon Harmer. The pair added an unbroken 182 runs for the eighth wicket, grinding down the visiting attack before the declaration was called. Australian fast bowler Scott Boland claimed five wickets for 81 runs, but the relentless pressure applied by the South African batsmen leaves the home side in an unassailable position heading into the fourth day.
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