THERE were the usual comments on social media about the Proteas' inability to cope with what Australia brought to the party at St George's; some even suggesting that the Test was done and dusted after wickets tumbled on days one and two.

But cricket is, and always has been, a funny old game.

South Africa dug in and then seized control of the second Test against Australia at St George’s Park in Gqeberha on Tuesday, with captain Temba Bavuma producing a career-best 179 before the visitors limped to 3/1 at stumps on day three.

After rain severely restricted the opening two days, the Proteas resumed on 97/5 and were soon in deeper trouble at 110/6 when Wiaan Mulder fell for 13. But Bavuma held firm, finding two valuable partners in Marco Jansen and Simon Harmer to turn the innings around.

Jansen’s aggressive 85 helped the pair put on 132 for the seventh wicket, a South African record for that wicket at St George’s Park. After Jansen departed, Harmer contributed a career-best 82 in an even bigger stand of 183 with Bavuma — a national record for the eighth wicket in Test cricket.

The Proteas then made an immediate breakthrough. Kagiso Rabada, returning after a lengthy absence with a hamstring injury, dismissed opener Nic Maddinson for a duck in his first over.

Australia closed on 3/1, still trailing by 422 runs, with Travis Head and nightwatchman Boland at the crease.

After their heavy defeat in the first Test in Durban, South Africa have given themselves a strong chance of fighting back in the series. Two days remain, and Australia face a substantial task to erase the deficit and keep the match within reach.