Bavuma’s 179 leads South Africa to 425 for nine

South Africa recovered from 97 for five overnight to declare at 425 for nine on the third day of the second Test against Australia, led by captain Temba Bavuma’s career-best 179 at St George’s Park in Gqeberha on October 20. Bavuma’s innings anchored a recovery that gathered pace through partnerships with Marco Jansen and Simon Harmer. Jansen made 85 from 100 balls, including nine fours and three sixes, while Harmer scored 82. South Africa had been 110 for six when Jansen joined Bavuma at the crease. The pair added 132 for the seventh wicket before Jansen was dismissed. Bavuma and Harmer then put on 182 for the eighth, a South African Test record for that wicket. Harmer and Bavuma fell on successive balls, after which South Africa declared its innings, leaving Australia a short period to bat before the close. Australia ended the day at three for one. Kagiso Rabada, back in the side after recovering from a hamstring injury, dismissed Nic Maddinson for a duck in the opening over. Travis Head and nightwatchman Scott Boland saw out the remaining overs, as fading light limited Australia’s time at the crease. Bavuma had been at the crease across three days after the first two days...