Temba Bavuma scored a Test career-best 179 for South Africa as they took control of the second Test against Australia.

Despite heading into day three on 97-5, the Proteas declared for 425-9 before also leaving Australia 3-1 at stumps in Gqeberha.

Wiaan Mulder (13) did not last long at the crease, but Marco Jansen (85) formed a 132-run stand with Bavuma before becoming Scott Boland's (5-81) fifth wicket of the innings.

Frustrations only grew for Australia, though, as Simon Harmer (82) then put together a 183-run partnership with his captain, who looked unstoppable as he approached the 200-run mark himself.

However, just one delivery after Harmer was bowled by Marnus Labuschagne (1-8), Bavuma edged behind off Mitchell Starc (3-89) as South Africa declared late on in the final session.

But there was still time for one more wicket as Kagiso Rabada (1-0) dismissed Nic Maddison for a four-ball duck, leaving Travis Head (1) and nightwatchman Boland (2) at the crease ahead of day four.

Stumps, Day 3!  A fiery finish to the day thanks to Kagiso “John Wick” Rabada!  Australia end the day on 3/1 after 4 overs, trailing by 422 runs.  We’ll be back tomorrow from 09:45am as the second Dafabet Test continues in Gqeberha!  #Unbreakable #SAvAUS https://t.co/FkA9aUMBQI

— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) October 20, 2026

Bavuma gives South Africa chance of victory

Australia looked to be in full control after day two and set to take a 2-0 series lead, but Bavuma set the tone for a strong comeback on day three, with the hosts now in a good position to win the Test.

The Proteas skipper recorded a format-best score and his first century against Australia, batting for nine hours and 12 minutes in his resilient knock.

Credit must also go to Jansen, who recorded his second-highest score in Tests, and Harmer, who scored his first fifty in the longest format.

Bavuma and Harmer's eighth-wicket partnership of 183 is South Africa's highest in Tests, while the Proteas recorded two century stands after the sixth wicket for the first time.

Boland's five-wicket haul was perhaps the only positive for Australia, who will now fear losing by an innings despite a strong start with the ball.