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South Africa captain Temba Bavuma and Marco Jansen led a determined fightback against Australia in the second Test at St George’s Park, taking the hosts to 216/6 after 72 overs at the latest post-lunch update.
Bavuma remained unbeaten on 76, producing a composed captain’s knock to steady the innings. Jansen, meanwhile, played an attacking innings of 72 off just 71 deliveries, putting pressure on Australia’s bowling attack.
Their partnership has helped South Africa recover after losing six wickets, giving the hosts an opportunity to build a competitive first-innings total despite persistent rain disrupting the match.
Only 12.2 overs were possible on the opening day, while rain restricted play to another 30.4 overs on the second day.
The interruptions have reduced the available playing time and increased the importance of every session.
With South Africa rebuilding through Bavuma and Jansen, Australia will look to break the partnership and prevent the hosts from extending their total further.
The visitors have shared the wickets between their pace attack, with Mitchell Starc claiming two dismissals.
South Africa’s recovery, however, has made the contest more challenging for Australia as the innings progresses.
Former Australia batter Mark Waugh had earlier suggested that the visitors could still push for victory. He said they would need to dismiss South Africa for a modest total. Australia would then have to respond with a strong batting performance.
Australia fast bowler Scott Boland, who has taken four wickets, expressed confidence that the visitors still had enough time. He said they could still push for a win.
“Yeah, that’s still going to be close to 300 overs in the game that’s left. So I think there’s still plenty of time,” Boland said before the start of the third day.
Scott Boland added that Australia would need their batters to settle at the crease and build a substantial total. He said this would be crucial to keeping their hopes of victory alive.
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