Last Updated on 3 minutes ago by Charbel Coorey
Walking out to a hat-trick ball against a rampant Scott Boland in the gloom on day one, Temba Bavuma went on to score a masterful, fighting 179 off 334 balls to turn the Gqeberha Test on its head.
Brilliantly supported by Marco Jansen (85 off 100 balls) and Simon Harmer (82 off 157 balls), Bavuma’s innings under pressure has given South Africa a chance to push for a series-levelling victory in a rain-affected Test. He batted through a tricky final session in fading light on day two, ensuring the likes of Jansen would come out to bat in brighter conditions. The captain then combined with Jansen and Harmer for partnerships of 132 and 183 respectively to take the Proteas from 110/6 to an extraordinary 425/9d.
There was some conjecture online regarding South Africa’s decision to bat as long as they did, but their total means the follow-on is more of a possibility. Bavuma confirmed the plans after the third day’s play.
“Part of our plan was to keep them in the field for as long as we can,” Bavuma said, as quoted by Cricinfo. “I think that paid off … being able to bowl and get that wicket there [of Nic Maddinson]. If we’re going to get on the right side of the result, we’re going to have to spend the majority of those two days out there on the field. So I think mentally for us it is to prepare for that overnight.”
Bavuma’s innings was a masterclass in grit and defensive technique. On a surface offering nip especially on days one and two, Bavuma basically told Australia that they would have to bowl an unplayable delivery to dismiss him. He was resolute and compact until freeing his arms more in the final session as the Australians tired.
“From a personal point of view, the fact that I was able to get the team out of the tough situation and then to go on to get a big hundred, that’s obviously something that’s been a thorn in my batting career. It was nice to mentally get over that,” Bavuma said.
Fans praise Temba Bavuma for his 179, as well as Marco Jansen and Simon Harmer, for helping South Africa fight back against Australia
Bavuma brought up his century with an authoritative pull shot against opposing captain Pat Cummins. He continued on his merry way in the third session, finishing with 179 and taking his Test average as captain to 54.36.
Jansen and Harmer were also outstanding. With the run rate hovering around two an over for the first 50 overs, the former changed the complexion of the match with a superb counter-attacking knock. He was particularly brutal against anything pitched too full, taking Australia’s best bowler of the innings – Scott Boland – for a host of memorable straight and lofted drives down the ground.
When he was finally dismissed for a 100-ball 85 in the first over with the second new ball, Australia would have had visions of wrapping up the tail pretty quickly. However, Harmer had other ideas. From the first few balls he faced, Harmer looked focused as a laser, supporting Bavuma brilliantly as Australia struggled for answers.
Deservedly, the trio received plenty of praise on social media for their efforts.
Australia will begin day four on 3/1 after Kagiso Rabada dismissed Nic Maddinson in the first over. The new ball will be crucial as there has been seam movement available in the early overs. Pat Cummins’ team need a good day with the bat to ensure the match will end in a draw.
