Temba Bavuma has led South Africa back into contention in their Test series against Australia with a decisive innings that has revived his side’s hopes of winning the match.
The South Africa captain’s performance has become the defining development of the contest so far, dragging his team back into a Test that had appeared to be moving away from them. His contribution has kept the series alive and given South Africa an opportunity to challenge Australia for victory.
However, South Africa’s position is accompanied by an important question over their tactics on the third day. The team may have remained at the crease for too long, potentially limiting the time available to force a result.
That issue now frames the remainder of the match. Bavuma’s efforts have placed South Africa back in the contest, but the side must still convert that recovery into a winning position against Australia. Whether there is sufficient time left for South Africa to complete the victory remains unresolved.
