South Africa captain Temba Bavuma scored a career-best 179 on day three of the second Test against Australia at St George's Park, Gqeberha, on 20 October 2026. Afterwards he said he tries to copy the batting technique of Sachin Tendulkar, whom he called his childhood hero.
Bavuma faced 334 balls and hit 18 fours and one six. He reached his fifty off 140 balls and his hundred off 226 balls. The score beat his previous Test best of 172, made against the West Indies in 2023, and was his fifth Test century and his first against Australia.
He came to the crease with South Africa in trouble, as the side had slipped to 97/5. He then added 132 for the seventh wicket with Marco Jansen, who made 85, and 183 for the eighth wicket with Simon Harmer, who made 82.
Mitchell Starc eventually removed Bavuma, who was caught behind by Alex Carey. South Africa later declared on 425-9. Scott Boland finished with 5-81 and Starc took 3-89. Australia conceded a century to an opposing captain for the first time since Ben Stokes at Lord's in the 2023 Ashes.
Speaking about the influence of Tendulkar, Bavuma said: "I try to emulate my technique to his." He also explained his approach at the crease, saying: "I try to play the ball as close to my body as possible." He added: "I'm obviously not a big guy."
Asked about the innings itself, the 36-year-old said: "Yeah, definitely one of my better ones." It was also the highest score by a South Africa captain against Australia, adding to the significance of the knock in Gqeberha.
Australia ended the day on 3-1 after four overs, trailing by 422. Kagiso Rabada took a wicket with his fourth ball on his return to Test cricket. Australia had won the first Test in Durban by 214 runs, while rain disrupted the first two days here and Bavuma was 41 not out at the end of day two.
Day four is on Wednesday 21 October, and the Test is scheduled to finish on 22 October. South Africa want a win to force a series decider. The third Test follows in Cape Town, scheduled for 27 to 31 October.