Bavuma and Harmer lead Proteas fightback to put Australia under pressure

Temba Bavuma’s career-best 179 and Simon Harmer’s maiden Test half-century lifted South Africa from trouble to 425-9 against Australia at St George’s Park.

South Africa turned a difficult position into a commanding one on day three of the second Test, with Bavuma and Harmer combining for a record eighth-wicket partnership before the hosts declared their first innings.

The Proteas had been reduced to 110-6 early in the day after resuming on 97-5, but recovered through two crucial stands that changed the course of the innings.

Bavuma anchors the recovery

Bavuma led the fightback with 179 off 334 balls, striking 18 fours and a six to surpass his previous Test best of 172 against the West Indies.

He found an attacking partner in Marco Jansen, who scored 85 from 100 deliveries. Their 132-run stand for the seventh wicket helped South Africa regain control before Scott Boland dismissed Jansen, leaving the hosts at 242-7.

Harmer then joined Bavuma to produce an even bigger partnership. The pair added 183 runs for the eighth wicket, a new South African record, as the spinner contributed 82 from 157 balls.

Harmer, whose previous highest Test score was 47, passed 50 for the first time in the format, while Bavuma reached his fifth Test century and later moved beyond 150.

South Africa eventually declared at 425-9, a significant turnaround after losing early wickets on a rain-affected second day.

Rabada strikes before stumps

The Proteas had little time to bowl before the close of play, but Kagiso Rabada made an immediate impact on his return from injury.

Nic Maddinson was dismissed for a fourth-ball duck after edging Rabada to Harmer at third slip. Australia reached stumps on 3-1, leaving South Africa with an early breakthrough as they look to push for victory.

Speaking after play, Bavuma said he was pleased to have converted a familiar start into a substantial score.

“What was nice was my ability to take it further and make it really count,” he said.

The Proteas captain acknowledged that the batting effort had put his side in a strong position, but stressed that the bowlers still had work to do.

South Africa will now look to capitalise on their first-innings lead and dismiss Australia twice if they are to win the match and level the series 1-1 ahead of the final Test in Cape Town.