Bavuma puts Australia to the sword

A spectacular batting performance by South Africa with captain Temba Bavuma leading the way put Australia to the sword on day three of the second cricket test against Australia in Gqeberha.

The Proteas declared their first innings on 425 for 9, with a magnificent career best 179 from Bavuma as the foundation.

He was ably assisted by lower order batters Marco Jansen and Simon Harmer who both added half centuries.

At close of play Australia were on 3 for 1, still trailing by 422 runs.

The Proteas were in trouble early in the day when Marco Jansen walked in on 110 for 6.

He was aggressive from the word go and gave his captain the support that was lacking earlier.

Together they completely dominated Australia putting on an unbeaten century stand to take the score to 216 for six at lunch.

Jansen lost his wicket not long after lunch scoring 85 runs from just 100 balls.

Bavuma and Jansen got the Proteas out of trouble and then Bavuma and Harmer put them completely in charge of the test match.

Bavuma went on to score his 5th century between lunch and tea.

And after that he and Harmer just rubbed salt in Australia’s wounds as Harmer made a half century for the first time in his career.

Harmer finished with a career best 82 and when Australia eventually dismissed Bavuma, the Proteas declared.

Kagiso Rabada, who returned from injury, was on target in the very first over and got the wicket Nic Maddinson for a duck.

Two days remain in the test, and the Proteas will resume day four looking for early wickets to have the opportunity to bowl Australia out twice.