Bavuma hides from Smith implosion as Australia falls to South Africa
Temba Bavuma turns his back as Steve Smith throws his wicket away, while Scott Boland shows the batters how it's done as the Aussies go down in Gqeberha. Here are the quick hits from the final day of the second Test.
As the final day of the second Test between Australia and South Africa unfolded in Gqeberha, Steve Smith's batting implosion captured the headlines. Bavuma hid from Smith's implosion as Boland outgripped batters. Travis Head and Steve Smith were the mainstays for Australia on this day. Head needed 13 runs for a gritty century, while Smith faced a two-hour rain delay.
He finally reached his milestone with two leg-side boundaries off Marco Jansen. However, his attempt at a cut shot fell short, and he was dismissed for 121. Boland, the nightwatchman, showed remarkable skill, defending with authority and simplicity, accepting 166 deliveries. He was finally dismissed by Wiaan Mulder for a new Test best of 40.
Bavuma couldn't prevent Smith from top-edging a Kagiso Rabada bouncer high into the sky. After Breetzke secured the wicket, Australia had four wickets left but failed to make a comeback. Mulder struck twice early in the evening session, dismissing Boland and Pat Cummins. The gloomy weather added to the drama, as Bavuma called on Rabada to finish the job, leading to Australia's 31-run defeat and a series-levelling win for South Africa.
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