AUSTRALIA TOUR OF SOUTH AFRICA
Published
The Proteas produced an extraordinary day of Test cricket at St George’s Park, transforming a precarious morning position into total command against Australia on Day 3.
Resuming on 97/5 following two rain-curtailed days, the South Africans mounted a relentless counter-attack spearheaded by skipper Temba Bavuma, who delivered a monumental career-best performance. The Proteas then capped off a dominant session by making immediate inroads with the new ball before stumps.
South Africa firmly hold the upper hand heading into Day 4 after completely turning the match on its head.
Here are some of the biggest talking points from Day 3:
Jansen's counter-attacking stunner
Following Wiaan Mulder’s early departure, Marco Jansen joined Temba Bavuma and completely altered the momentum at St George’s Park.
Blazing his way to a 43-ball half-century packed with seven fours and two sixes, the towering all-rounder posted a spirited 85.
The aggressive Jansen's 132-run partnership alongside his watchful captain brought the Proteas back into contention before he was eventually caught off Scott Boland, who claimed a well-deserved five-wicket haul.
Bavuma's defiant Test century
Leading by example under intense pressure, Proteas captain Temba Bavuma struck a masterclass fifth Test century to anchor South Africa’s recovery.
Battling through marathon fatigue and absorbing Australia’s aggressive short-pitched assault, Bavuma pulled Pat Cummins with supreme poise to bring up his milestone.
His resolute effort lasted over six hours, earning a standing ovation as he spearheaded his team’s fightback from a precarious position.
Harmer's maiden half-century
Off-spinner Simon Harmer provided invaluable middle-order support, grinding out a maiden Test half-century to compound Australia’s frustration.
Partnering Bavuma in a crucial 100-run stand off 165 balls, Harmer displayed remarkable composure against the second new ball, guiding Beau Webster off his pads to reach 50 off 116 deliveries.
He eventually fell for a gritty 82, bowled by Marnus Labuschagne, missing out on a fairytale century.
Record-breaking 179 and declaration
Bavuma achieved a career-best Test score of 179, surpassing his previous mark of 172 against the West Indies.
Striking with grit and elegance, the skipper carried South Africa beyond the 400-mark before finally edging Mitchell Starc behind to bring the monumental innings to an end.
Shortly after his departure, South Africa declared on an impressive 425/9, leaving them two days to take 20 wickets to square the series ahead of the third Test in Cape Town.
Rabada strikes early in nighttime spell
After missing the ODI series and the first Test, Proteas spearhead Kagiso Rabada produced a dream start with the new ball after South Africa's declaration late on Day 3.
In his very first over, Rabada forced Nick Maddinson to push at a back-of-a-length delivery, finding the edge straight into the hands of Harmer at slip for a duck.
Rabada’s early breakthrough left Australia stumbling at 0/1, forcing nightwatchman Scott Boland out to navigate a tense final stretch against the spin of Harmer and Aiden Markram when thje light faded.