On 20 October, South Africa recovered from a 110‑6 position on day three of the second Test against Australia at St George’s Park, Gqeberha, to declare at 425‑9 after 127.1 overs. The turnaround was powered by Temba Bavuma’s 179, his fifth Test century and first against the Australians, which remains the highest score by a South African captain against them.

Bavuma’s innings of 179 off 334 balls included 18 fours and a six, surpassing his previous best of 172 scored against the West Indies in 2023. He reached his century from 226 balls, with a pull off Pat Cummins, and added 132 for the seventh wicket alongside Marco Jansen. Jansen contributed 85 off 100 balls, while Simon Harmer added 82 off 157.

The partnership between Bavuma and Harmer yielded 183 for the eighth wicket, a South African record for that wicket. South Africa’s run rate rose sharply after the sixth wicket, adding 315 runs from that point to the declaration. The team’s total of 425‑9 was achieved after a steady accumulation of runs and wickets.

Australia’s bowlers struggled to contain the South African batting. Scott Boland took 5‑81 and Mitchell Starc 3‑89, but the Australians were unable to stop the run flow. Kagiso Rabada took a wicket with his fourth ball on his Test return, and the Australians were left trailing by 422 runs with only two days remaining in the match.

The match’s context is that Australia won the first Test in Durban by 214 runs, leading the three‑match series 1‑0. South Africa’s comeback on day three has left the series level at 1‑1, with South Africa needing a win to level the World Test Championship points. The third Test will be played in Cape Town from 27 October.

Day four of the second Test is scheduled to start at 9am local time on 21 October. South Africa will aim to build on their momentum, while Australia will look to reverse the deficit and secure a result before the final day. The outcome will determine whether the series remains tied or swings in favour of the home side.

The match is part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025/27, making every run and wicket significant for both teams’ standings in the competition.