The Proteas captain was unbeaten on 41 at stumps, with Wiaan Mulder on two, after Scott Boland continued to trouble the hosts at St George’s Park. The recalled seamer finished with figures of 4-31.

Rain and a wet outfield wiped out the first two sessions, leaving South Africa facing another lengthy wait to resume their innings. Australia were without Josh Hazlewood, who was sidelined by illness.

Resuming on 20-2 after just 12.2 overs on Sunday, the Proteas added 77 runs for the loss of three wickets across 30.4 overs. Only 43 overs have been possible over the opening two days.

Boland struck again when debutant Marques Ackerman was caught behind for six. Mitchell Starc then had Matthew Breetzke caught behind for four, leaving South Africa struggling at 40-4.

Bavuma and Ryan Rickelton offered resistance with a fifth-wicket partnership of 52. The captain also took on Pat Cummins, hooking the Australian skipper for six.

Rickelton survived a chance to Marnus Labuschagne at leg slip on 27, but could not see out the day. Matt Renshaw produced an excellent one-handed catch low to his right at first slip to dismiss him for 31 off Boland, reducing the hosts to 92-5.

Bavuma and Mulder negotiated the remaining overs, leaving the Proteas with five wickets in hand and considerable work ahead when play resumes on Tuesday.

Photo: Richard Huggard/Gallo Images