South Africa Stages Remarkable Comeback Against Australia in Second Test

In a thrilling Day 3 of the second Test at St George's Park, South Africa showcased a remarkable comeback against Australia. Captain Temba Bavuma scored a career-best 179, supported by Simon Harmer's 82, leading the hosts to declare at 425 for nine. Australia, struggling at 3/1 at stumps, faces a daunting challenge as they trail by 422 runs. With a historic eighth-wicket partnership and a stellar bowling performance from Scott Boland, the match is poised for an exciting Day 4. Will Australia rise to the occasion?

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 20, 2026, 22:53 IST

Bavuma's Stellar Performance Fuels South Africa's Revival

On Day 3 of the second Test at St George's Park, South Africa mounted a significant comeback against Australia, led by captain Temba Bavuma's impressive 179 runs. Simon Harmer also made a notable contribution with 82 runs, allowing the hosts to declare their first innings at 425 for nine. By the end of the day, Australia had lost opener Nic Maddinson and finished at 3/1, trailing by 422 runs.

Bavuma Anchors the Innings

Starting the day at 97/5 after rain disrupted play previously, South Africa faced considerable pressure. Bavuma steadied the innings, receiving crucial support from the lower order. After Wiaan Mulder was dismissed for 13, the team found themselves at 110/6. However, Bavuma and Marco Jansen formed a vital seventh-wicket partnership, with Jansen scoring 85 runs off 100 balls before being dismissed by Scott Boland, caught by Travis Head. This partnership helped South Africa reach 242/7.

Bavuma continued to excel, reaching his century and surpassing his previous Test high of 172. Harmer joined him, and together they forged a remarkable eighth-wicket partnership of 183 runs, propelling South Africa past Australia's first-innings total of 292. This partnership marked the highest eighth-wicket stand for South Africa in Test history. Harmer's 82 runs were his highest in Tests before he was bowled by Marnus Labuschagne, while Bavuma was caught behind by Alex Carey off Mitchell Starc for 179. South Africa's declaration at 425/9 gave them a first-innings lead of 133 runs, marking their second-highest innings total against Australia at Gqeberha, following 470/8d in 1970.

Boland's Bowling Brilliance

Scott Boland led Australia's bowling attack, achieving a five-wicket haul with figures of 5/81 across 29 overs, including seven maidens. Mitchell Starc contributed with three wickets for 89 runs in 24.1 overs, while Marnus Labuschagne took one wicket for eight runs in two overs. Josh Hazlewood allowed 43 runs in 14 overs, and captain Pat Cummins gave away 96 runs in 26 overs. Beau Webster's figures were 0/43 in 19 overs, while Matt Renshaw and Nic Maddinson bowled without taking wickets, conceding 33 and 24 runs respectively.

Boland Achieves Historic Milestone

At 37 years and 190 days, Boland became the second-oldest Australian seamer to achieve a Test five-wicket haul, following Frank Laver (39y 231d) who took 8/31 against England in 1909. He is also the first Australian since Jason Gillespie (5/54) in 1997 to secure a five-for at Gqeberha.

Australia Faces Pressure at Stumps

As Australia's second innings commenced under challenging light conditions, South Africa struck early with Kagiso Rabada dismissing Maddinson for a duck, with Harmer taking the catch. At stumps, Australia was at 3/1, with Travis Head and nightwatchman Boland at the crease. The visitors will need a robust batting performance on Day 4 to avoid losing control of the match.