- Former Proteas star Herschelle Gibbs took to X to congratulate Temba Bavuma after his career-best 179 against Australia
- Bavuma's innings helped South Africa recover from 110/6 to declare on 425/9 in the second Test at St George's Park
- Gibbs' congratulatory post drew mixed reactions from fans who noticed how he had written the captain's name
Herschelle Gibbs congratulated Temba Bavuma on X after the Proteas captain scored a career-best 179 against Australia, but his message became a point of contention online when fans noticed how he had written the batter's name.
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Bavuma's innings came during the second Test at St George's Park in Gqeberha on Tuesday, 20 October 2026. South Africa had slipped to 110/6 before the captain steadied the ship, eventually helping his side declare on 425/9. He faced 334 deliveries, striking 18 fours and a six, with Marco Jansen contributing 85 and Simon Harmer adding 82 in support.
Gibbs' Message Sparks Debate
Gibbs posted his congratulations on X, writing:
"Played temba.. great 100 under the circumstances 👏"
While the former South African international's intent appeared straightforward, many users shifted focus from the performance itself to Gibbs' use of a lowercase letter when writing Bavuma's first name.
Sizwe Nsibande (@Sizwe_Nsibande) commented:
"It's Temba not temba."
DASEKAPA (@general_ec) also weighed in, writing:
"Themba not temba. Didn't your Sub A teacher teach you to start with a capital letter when you're writing someone's name?"
Ngqanga Nentsiba Zayo (@Intengu_drongo) was more pointed, writing:
"How old are you? Writing his name in small letters? You are disrespectful."
Mo Ismail Maiter (@Mo_Maiter) went further, accusing Gibbs of resentment and raising race:
"So Salty. At least act like you're congratulating him, you Racist cheat."
Not all reactions were critical. Sandisile Khonzani (@seyda899) defended the former cricketer, saying:
"Great innings, it takes someone who has played the sport to understand you. All the scrutiny was out of love, numbers and pride for the Proteas."
Gibbs replied to that comment with:
"Thank you, guy 👊"
Bavuma Sets New Personal Best
Beyond the social media debate, Bavuma's innings carried significant weight on the pitch. He came to the crease with South Africa at 12/2 and was still there as the team clawed back from 110/6 to post a substantial first-innings total.
The 179 surpassed his previous Test-best of 172 against the West Indies in 2023 and marked his fifth Test century overall, and his first against Australia. South Africa declared on 425/9, and Australia closed the day on 3/1 after Kagiso Rabada took a wicket late in the evening session.
Source: Briefly News
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