JOHANNESBURG,
South Africa’s Temba Bavuma was left stranded on 95 not out as they tightened their grip over scandal-hit Australia after reducing the hapless visitors to 110/6 at the close on the second day of the fourth and final Test on Saturday. Aided by Bavuma’s brilliance, South Africa posted 488 in their first innings and lead by a massive 378 runs at the Wanderers as they seek a first home series win over the Australians in almost 50 years.
The controversial tour looks to be coming to a meek end for the visitors in a game they need to win to share the series and their new captain Tim Paine and Pat Cummins will resume on the third day facing a daunting task.
The squad was bolstered by openers Joe Burns and Matt Renshaw, who arrived in the country 48 hours before the start of the fourth Test along with all-rounder Glenn Maxwell, after desposed captain Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft were sent home for their part in the ball-tampering scandal.
However, if the tourists had hoped that fresh blood at the top of the order might spark a change of batting fortunes, it proved false optimism as they were blasted out.
Burns’ tame prod saw him edge Kagiso Rabada to a diving Faf du Plessis at second slip, while Queensland opening partner Renshaw provided a simple catch to wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock off Vernon Philander (3-17).
Peter Handscomb has been on tour since the start, but his long wait for a chance to bat lasted one ball when he played onto his stumps.
