Temba Bavuma was full of praise for his team's grit after South Africa bounced back from their opening Test defeat in Durban to hammer Australia at St George’s Park, levelling the three-match series at 1-1.
Speaking to SuperSport after an emphatic innings-and-31-run victory, the Proteas captain pointed to 'good old-fashioned', Test cricket and a relentless team effort as the drivers behind the comeback.
At the heart of it all was Bavuma himself. His career-best 179 anchored the entire match, turning the tide after the disappointment in Durban and putting South Africa firmly in the driver’s seat.
"They made us work hard for those final six wickets, but there’s a great feeling in the changing room right now," Bavuma said.
"Batting was tough, especially against the new ball. To put the team in a position to win and keep this series alive means a lot to me."
Bavuma was quick to credit his bowling attack for finishing the job, highlighting Kagiso Rabada's leadership and Marco Jansen's crucial all-round display.
"It makes my job as captain a lot easier when you have guys stepping up like that," Bavuma said. "KG takes on the pressure and lets the other bowlers do their thing, while Marco came out firing in both innings. He’s huge for us."
Even after rain wiped out the morning session on the final day, Bavuma said the plan never changed.
"It was just about staying patient. Our style is to wear teams down and then take our chances when they come. We wanted to be ruthless in that second innings, and the guys delivered."
Despite playing a career-defining knock, the skipper isn't celebrating just yet, with the final Test in Cape Town right around the corner.
"A big part of me is still focused on what's ahead," he said.
"We still have a job to do with one Test left. Once the series is over, then I’ll take a moment to enjoy it."