Captain Temba Bavuma's 179 has South Africa fighting again, but did the Proteas bat on too long on day three with the clock ticking?
Temba Bavuma has led from the front for South Africa. His captain's knock of 179 has pulled the Proteas back into their Test against Australia and given a nation something to believe in.
Bavuma's innings was built on patience and nerve, with the pressure of a heavyweight opponent never allowed to settle. It was the kind of knock a skipper plays when his team needs direction, and it changed the mood around the Proteas camp.
Now comes the big question. Did South Africa bat on too long on day three? Every extra over at the crease built the lead, but it also ate into the time their bowlers have to bowl Australia out. In a Test, that balance between runs and minutes can decide the whole match.
The Proteas will back their attack to find the breakthroughs. Australia, as always, will fancy their chances of grinding out a result. Whether Bavuma's masterclass is a match-winning platform or a case of too little time left will be settled in the next few sessions.
