South African skipper Temba Bavuma delivered the finest performance of his career scoring a magnificent 179 to steer his team out of trouble against Australia.
The hosts recovered from a precarious 110/6 to post 425/9 before declaring on Tuesday, the third day of the second Test at St George’s Park.
How did Kagiso Rabada mark his return to international cricket?
Australia endured an early setback in their second innings when Kagiso Rabada dismissed opener Nic Maddinson in the opening over. Rabada marked his comeback to the team after spending five months on the sidelines with a hamstring injury. At the close of play, Australia were 3/1 with Travis Head unbeaten on one and nightwatchman Scott Boland batting on two.
How did Temba Bavuma change the course of the match following weather disruptions?
Temba Bavuma changed the course of the match after South Africa began the day at 97/5 following two days disrupted by rain that allowed just 43 overs of play. With the weather improving and the pitch offering favourable batting conditions, the skipper mixed solid defence with well-timed attacking shots to rescue his team from a difficult situation. His outstanding effort also kept South Africa in contention to bounce back from their 214-run loss in Durban last week.
What historical partnership records did Temba Bavuma break during his 179-run innings?
Temba Bavuma’s knock of 179 marked a new personal best in Test cricket and was highlighted by two landmark stands. He shared 132 runs with Marco Jansen for the seventh wicket surpassing a South African record that had remained unbroken since 1896. He then teamed up with Simon Harmer to put on 183 runs for the eighth wicket establishing a new national record for that partnership in Test matches.
How did Marco Jansen and Simon Harmer support Temba Bavuma’s rescue act?
Marco Jansen contributed a valuable 85, while Simon Harmer registered his highest-ever score of 82 helping South Africa’s tailenders rescue the innings and build an imposing total after the team had been in danger of folding cheaply.
How did Mitchell Starc achieve his 450th Test wicket in the morning session?
South Africa suffered an early blow in the morning session when Wiaan Mulder was dismissed for 13. Mitchell Starc claimed the wicket to reach the milestone of 450 Test scalps, as Mulder attempted to evade a short delivery but edged it off his glove towards Matt Renshaw at slip. The on-field decision was upheld following a review.
How did Marco Jansen and Temba Bavuma wrest control away from Australia?
Marco Jansen then joined Bavuma at the crease, with the hosts still fighting to stabilise their innings. The duo gradually wrested control from Australia, as Bavuma focused on preserving his wicket while Jansen adopted an aggressive approach to unsettle the opposition attack.
How many deliveries did Temba Bavuma take to reach his century?
Temba Bavuma completed his hundred off 226 deliveries underlining the concentration needed on a pitch where according to the South African skipper, batters struggled to feel completely comfortable. His determination to bat for a long spell became instrumental in helping his side recover.
How did Scott Boland break Temba Bavuma and Marco Jansen’s seventh-wicket stand?
Their crucial stand came to an end soon after Australia introduced the second new ball. Scott Boland struck Jansen around the lower abdomen with his opening delivery and although the all-rounder received medical attention, he departed four balls later after chipping a catch to Travis Head at midwicket. However, Jansen’s valuable contribution of 85 had already helped South Africa regain their footing.
What benchmark did Simon Harmer and Temba Bavuma establish for the eighth wicket?
Simon Harmer partnered Bavuma to extend South Africa’s revival, scoring a career-best 82 in the longest format. Their 183-run stand established a new South African benchmark for the eighth wicket in Test cricket.
How was Simon Harmer dismissed short of a maiden Test century?
Harmer appeared well placed to register his first Test hundred, but his innings ended when Marnus Labuschagne, bowling occasional left-arm spin, breached his defence as the batter attempted to accelerate in the fading evening light.
How did South Africa’s first innings come to an end before the declaration?
Bavuma departed on the very next ball, nicking a delivery from Starc through to wicketkeeper Alex Carey. South Africa subsequently declared at 425/9, wrapping up their innings with just a few overs left in the day’s play.
Which Australian bowlers registered significant milestones on Day 3?
Boland emerged as Australia’s leading bowler with figures of 5/81, recording the third five-wicket haul of his Test career and his first on foreign soil. Starc, meanwhile, celebrated reaching 450 Test wickets. However, South Africa’s determined display from the lower order prevented Australia from making the most of their early breakthroughs.
How did Kagiso Rabada dismiss Nic Maddinson in his opening over?
South Africa’s decision to end their innings allowed Kagiso Rabada to return to action after several months out of the side. The pacer made an instant impression, removing Nic Maddinson in just his fourth delivery. The Australian opener went for a drive against a fuller ball but managed only an outside edge which Simon Harmer safely collected at third slip.
Why was play called off early on Day 3?
Deteriorating light conditions meant Rabada could bowl just one over before the umpires turned to spin for another three overs. Play was then abandoned for the day, with Australia reaching 3/1 at the close. South Africa staged a remarkable turnaround on Day 3, recovering from a vulnerable 97/5 to declare at 425/9 before striking early in Australia’s second innings.
What are South Africa’s prospects heading into Day 4?
Bavuma’s outstanding effort, complemented by valuable contributions from Jansen and Harmer, has put the hosts in a position to challenge Australia after their crushing loss in the opening Test. Having dismissed one Australian batter before the close of play, South Africa will aim to maintain their advantage and secure a series-levelling victory.