Heroic Bavuma’s first Test ton in 7 years puts Proteas on top at the Wanderers

At the Wanderers

The wait between Temba Bavuma's first and second Test century was, in terms of days, 2 619 days long, but when it did come, it was when his team required the runs from him the most.

The net result was ensuring the second Test between South Africa and the West Indies will go into a fourth day.

When Bavuma (171*) strode out at 10:18 at the fall of Tony de Zorzi's wicket, the score was 8/2.

But, at the end of an absorbing day, the Proteas finished on 287/7 and a massive lead of 356. It was largely thanks to Bavuma's broad and pressured shoulders.

Bavuma's 369-minute knock moved South Africa from a position of match-losing weakness to a point where the West Indies now have to reel in the highest successful fourth innings chase at this ground.

That's how important Bavuma's dig was and, in an era where three-figure captain's knocks have been few and far between for South Africa, Bavuma stood up for his team when it truly mattered.

It's worth remembering that Bavuma was subjected to the ignominy of a pair in his first Test as captain, such is the vicious, yet enjoyable nature of cricket.

He scored more than half of his team's runs on a day when the West Indies had them on the rack with spells of mesmerising military medium bowling in what was a difficult morning session for the hosts.

Kyle Mayers (2/25) and Raymon Reifer (1/30) were unlikely partners in crime, reducing South Africa to 65/4. The Windies must have fancied their chances of batting after tea after Jason Holder's heroic 81* ensured South Africa only had a lead of 69.

South Africa only led by 134 and was in danger of being bundled out cheaply, but Bavuma, whose 19 other 50-plus scores have come after his seminal 102* against England at Newlands in January