Bavuma’s 179 gives South Africa a chance against Australia, but time is short

Temba Bavuma’s unbeaten resistance helped South Africa recover from 110-6 to declare on 425-9 against Australia in the second Test at Gqeberha, leaving the hosts with a chance to force a result after two rain-hit opening days.

Bavuma made 179, his highest Test score, batting for 552 minutes across three days. Marco Jansen scored 85, and the pair added 132 before Simon Harmer joined Bavuma in a stand of 183 — a South African record for the eighth wicket. Australia’s Scott Boland took 5-81.

South Africa were still 12-2 when Bavuma came in on day one. His innings helped them build a substantial lead after Australia had won the first Test. At the close of day three, Australia were 3-1, trailing by 422 runs, with two days left. South Africa’s route to victory would likely require dismissing Australia quickly and enforcing the follow-on, but the lost time makes the task difficult. [1]

Bavuma was caught behind off Mitchell Starc, prompting South Africa to declare with half an hour left. He said the team had considered declaring earlier but was cautious about the weather. Only one over of seam bowling was possible before the umpires judged the light too poor; Australia then faced three overs of spin before play ended.

“We have given ourselves a chance,” Bavuma said. He added that the innings could also matter for confidence ahead of the third Test in Cape Town. [1]