Fans salute Temba Bavuma as South African captain headlines Day 3 of second Test with magnificent century

Oct 21, 2026

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Fans celebrate Temba Bavuma century in 2nd Test against Australia

South Africa captain Temba Bavuma delivered a remarkable performance under pressure on Day 3 of the second Test against Australia at St George’s Park in Gqeberha. With the hosts struggling against Australia’s pace attack, Bavuma produced a magnificent century that transformed the course of South Africa’s first innings. His determined knock of 179 helped the Proteas recover from a precarious position, establish a competitive total and create a memorable moment in the ongoing World Test Championship contest.

Temba Bavuma leads South Africa’s recovery with 179

South Africa’s innings began disastrously as Australia’s bowlers made early inroads into the top order. The hosts slipped to 12/2 before losing further wickets to reach 40/4, leaving Bavuma with the responsibility of rebuilding the innings against a formidable bowling attack.

The South African skipper responded with patience, sound technique and calculated aggression. Rather than allowing the early setbacks to dictate his approach, he focused on consolidating the innings before gradually increasing his scoring rate. Bavuma’s 179 became the defining contribution of South Africa’s batting effort. His ability to withstand sustained pressure and maintain concentration over a lengthy innings gave the hosts the platform they desperately needed.

The knock also carried considerable personal significance. It was Bavuma’s fifth Test century and came exactly a decade after his maiden hundred in the format, an unbeaten 102 against England in Cape Town in 2016. That innings had made him the first black African batter to score a Test century for South Africa.

Ten years later, Bavuma once again demonstrated his value to the national side with an innings that underlined his resilience and determination.

Record partnerships with Marco Jansen and Simon Harmer

Bavuma’s innings was strengthened by two crucial partnerships that helped South Africa escape a difficult position and push towards a substantial first-innings total. His stand with all-rounder Marco Jansen proved particularly important during the recovery phase. The pair added 132 runs, with Jansen contributing an impressive 85. Their partnership provided stability after the early collapse and ensured that South Africa continued to accumulate runs despite losing wickets.

Bavuma then combined with Simon Harmer in a historic eighth-wicket partnership. The duo added 183 runs, establishing South Africa’s highest-ever eighth-wicket partnership in Test cricket. Harmer played a valuable supporting role with 82, helping the hosts turn a fragile innings into a commanding recovery. The partnership also demonstrated Bavuma’s ability to guide the lower order and make the most of contributions from his teammates. South Africa eventually declared their first innings at 425/9, a significant turnaround after being reduced to 40/4.

Also WATCH: Matt Renshaw takes a blinder to remove Ryan Rickelton in SA vs AUS 2nd Test

Bavuma creates World Test Championship milestone

Beyond South Africa’s recovery, Bavuma’s century also secured him a place in the World Test Championship record books. At 36 years and 154 days, he became the oldest captain to score a century in a WTC match, surpassing the previous record held by India’s Rohit Sharma.

His performance offered a timely response to questions surrounding his form and age, reinforcing his importance as both a batter and leader. Australia began their reply under pressure after conceding 425 runs. The visitors lost one wicket for just three runs before stumps on Day 3, giving South Africa an early breakthrough in their attempt to build on Bavuma’s outstanding contribution.

Here’s how fans reacted:

Also WATCH: Scott Boland produces a pearler to dismiss Aiden Markram in SA vs AUS 2nd Test

For latest cricket news & updates, visit CricketTimes.com.

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