After seven days of playing second fiddle in the Test series against Australia, South Africa find themselves in the ascendancy on day four of the second Test in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape.

The Proteas, who were reeling at 95 for five, declared their first innings closed on 425 for nine, courtesy of a career-best 179 by captain Temba Bavuma and 80s by Marco Jansen and Simon Harmer.

It was Bavuma’s first Test century against Australia and fifth overall.

The visitors, who lead the series 1-0, will resume their first innings on three for one Wednesday morning, trailing by 422 runs.

Play at St George’s Park gets underway at 09:45.