Temba Bavuma made a Test-best 179 and Marco Jansen 85 as South Africa declared on 425 for 9 on day three in Gqeberha. Australia closed on 3 for 1, 422 behind, after Kagiso Rabada removed Nic Maddinson for a duck.
Gqeberha, South Africa: South Africa began the day on 97 for 5 and ended it with a first innings that had changed the match. Rain had left the Test with only 43 overs across its first two days, and Temba Bavuma used the dry day at St George’s Park to bat Australia out of the contest.
Starc’s milestone, then the long stand
Mitchell Starc made the first breakthrough, and it was a notable one. Wiaan Mulder, on 13, got a faint touch to a rising delivery, the on-field decision was not out, and the review showed a spike. Matt Renshaw took the catch at slip and Starc had his 450th Test wicket. South Africa were 110 for 6, and Australia could sense a quick finish.
They did not get one. Bavuma and Marco Jansen rescued South Africa from a position that had read 40 for 4 earlier in the innings. Jansen hit 85 off 100 balls before Scott Boland, bowling with the second new ball, had him caught at midwicket by Travis Head.
Bavuma’s best
Bavuma reached his fifth Test century and kept going. Simon Harmer stayed with him down the order, and the stand took South Africa past 400. Bavuma was finally caught behind off Starc for 179, the highest score of his Test career, and Harmer was bowled by Marnus Labuschagne for 82. Boland finished with 5 for 81 and Starc with 3 for 89, and South Africa declared on 425 for 9 after 127.1 overs.
Rabada strikes
Australia then had to bat out the closing overs, and they lost a wicket in Kagiso Rabada’s first over. Nic Maddinson was out for a duck. Head and nightwatchman Boland saw Australia to the close on 3 for 1, still 422 runs behind.
What lies ahead
Australia lead the three-match series 1-0 after their 214-run win in Durban, but South Africa now control this Test. The first innings was built on a rain-shortened first day and a second day on which Boland took four wickets, and Australia trail by 422 with two days remaining. The third Test starts in Cape Town on 27 October.
At stumps, day three: South Africa 425 for 9 declared (127.1 overs; Temba Bavuma 179, Marco Jansen 85, Simon Harmer 82; Scott Boland 5/81, Mitchell Starc 3/89). Australia 3 for 1 in reply (Travis Head and Scott Boland not out; Kagiso Rabada 1 wicket).
Match: Second Test, St George’s Park, Gqeberha, Tuesday 20 October 2026. Australia lead the three-match series 1-0.
