Temba Bavuma's captain's knock of 179 has South Africa roaring back against Australia, but the clock is now the Proteas' toughest opponent.
Temba Bavuma has led from the front for Africa. His captain's innings of 179 has dragged South Africa back into the Test series against Australia and seized the momentum from a side that looked to be in control.
It was the kind of knock that defines a captaincy. Bavuma held the innings together and soaked up pressure, and he kept the Proteas' hopes alive when the contest could have slipped away. Against one of the most feared attacks in world cricket, that resilience will resonate across the continent.
Now the debate turns to the clock. Did South Africa bat on too long on day three? Piling up runs gives a side a cushion, but every extra over in the middle is an over lost for bowling Australia out. Bavuma and his management will have weighed that balance carefully, and the answer may decide the series.
What can't be argued is the statement made by the Proteas skipper. South Africa are back in this contest, and the pressure has shifted onto the Australians. Whether the Proteas have enough time to finish the job is the question hanging over the rest of this Test.
