South Africa mount massive recovery as Pat Cummins endures rare wicketless spell

Australia captain Pat Cummins faced a challenging day at St George’s Park in Gqeberha, finishing with figures of 0/96 as South Africa staged a dramatic recovery in the second Test. The performance marked the second-most expensive wicketless outing of the fast bowler's career, trailing only his 0/101 return against India in Sydney back in 2019.

The hosts, who had been reeling at 110-6 earlier in the day, managed to turn the tide significantly. By the time they declared at 425-9 on Day 3, they had successfully pushed Australia onto the back foot, leaving the tourists to navigate a tricky period before stumps. Australia ended the day at 3-1, having already lost Nic Maddinson for a duck to Kagiso Rabada.

Bavuma found strong support in Marco Jansen, who contributed 85, and Simon Harmer, who added 82. The pair combined for a 132-run partnership for the seventh wicket, followed by a 183-run stand between Bavuma and Harmer for the eighth. Harmer’s contribution, which included 10 fours and a six, marked his maiden Test half-century before he was eventually bowled by Marnus Labuschagne.

Statistically, the recovery was historic. South Africa added 315 runs after the fall of their sixth wicket, the second-highest total in Test history for that stage of an innings. Only the 318 runs added by South Africa against Australia in Melbourne in 2008 surpasses this effort. For Australia, it was a frustrating day in the field, with Scott Boland providing the primary resistance to the hosts' momentum by finishing with 5-81.

Australia currently leads the three-match series 1-0, having secured a 214-run victory in the opening Test in Durban. With the hosts now holding a substantial total, the pressure shifts to the Australian batting lineup to respond on a pitch that has proven increasingly difficult for the bowlers to contain the lower order.