Resuming on 97-5, the Proteas lost Wiaan Mulder for 13 off 38 balls, leaving them struggling at 110-6 before Bavuma and Jansen launched a fightback.

Bavuma continued his patient resistance, reaching lunch unbeaten on 76 off 189 balls, including eight fours and a six. Having resumed on 41, the Proteas captain added 35 runs during the morning session.

Temba Bavuma leads from the front 👏

The Proteas captain scores his 27th Test half-century 🇿🇦ⓒ

📺 Stream #SAvAUS on DStv: https://t.co/rM90YyQxaw https://t.co/yQafgZVNSo

— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) October 20, 2026

Jansen provided the attacking impetus with a superb unbeaten 72 off 71 balls, striking eight fours and three sixes as the pair put on an unbroken 106-run partnership to take South Africa to 216-6 after 72 overs.

50 off 43 balls 🏏🔥

A crucial knock from Marco Jansen as he brings up his half-century 👏

📺 Stream #SAvAUS on DStv: https://t.co/rM90YyQxaw https://t.co/Qweb8fa0ls

— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) October 20, 2026

Scott Boland remained Australia’s standout bowler with figures of 4-57 from 21 overs, while Mitchell Starc had taken 2-62 from 17.

The Proteas will resume after lunch still trailing Australia’s first-innings total, with Bavuma and Jansen looking to extend their partnership.