South African captain Temba Bavuma has noted the St George’s Park pitch has not deteriorated as much as usual as he contemplates how his side can bowl Australia out twice.

The Proteas made 9-425 declared and Australia will resume at 1-3 as day four begins.

Bavuma said he expected speedster Kagiso Rababa would lead his attack as they tried to get early wickets.

“We have another opportunity here, a fresh new ball and hopefully, we can do something special today,” Bavuma told Kayo Sports.

Gqeberha: Skipper Temba Bavuma struck a test-best 179 to help South Africa recover from 6-110 to post an imposing 9-425 declared on Day three of the second cricket test against Australia on Tuesday.

Bavuma came out to bat on the opening day with the Proteas 2-12 and then saw them limp to 5-92 as rain and a wet outfield disrupted play a day later.

But he held South Africa together in stoic fashion, hitting 18 fours and one six in 334 deliveries, to put his side in control at St. George’s Park. He had good support from the lower order, Marco Jansen scoring 85 and Simon Harmer adding 82 as the duo put on big partnerships with Bavuma in the first innings.

In reply, Australia was 1-3 at stumps.

Here are the adjusted session times in AEDT for day four:

1st session: 6.45pm to 9pm
2nd session: 9.40pm to 11.55pm
3rd session: 12.15am to 2.15am

You will be happy to read that Accuweather says that there is a zero per cent chance of rain today up until 1pm local time and then only a one per cent chance between 1pm and 6pm.

Otherwise, it should be sunny with a little wind and cloud with temperatures in a high of 23 degrees.

G’day everyone. It’s Roy Ward here and welcome to our cricket live blog for day four of the second Test at St George’s Park in Gqeberha.

I’ll be tapping away on the keys tonight while Daniel Brettig will be sending us his take on proceedings from the ground.

Play is set to begin at 6.45pm AEDT. Enjoy the hours to come.