Bavuma hits Test-best 179 as South Africa declare on 425 for 9
Bavuma's 179 and record eighth-wicket stand with Harmer gave South Africa a commanding position in Gqeberha.
South Africa captain Temba Bavuma scored a career-best 179 to lead his side to 425 for 9 declared on the third day of the second Test against Australia in Gqeberha. The innings lifted South Africa from 40 for 4 and secured a 326-run first-innings lead.
Bavuma added 132 for the seventh wicket with Marco Jansen, who made 85, and a South African record 183 for the eighth wicket with Simon Harmer, who scored 82. Scott Boland finished with 5 for 81 for Australia.
Kagiso Rabada, returning from injury, dismissed Nic Maddinson for a duck with his fourth ball. Australia closed at 3 for 1 and resume on Thursday still trailing by 422 runs with two days remaining.
CricHubb Take
Bavuma's innings changes the series narrative. South Africa lost the first Test by 214 runs; his unbeaten 179 at 36 years and 154 days makes him the oldest captain to score a century against Australia in the World Test Championship, restoring belief that this Proteas side can still compete at the highest level.