Keshav Maharaj, Temba Bavuma star for South Africa
South Africa continued their dominance in the fourth Test against Australia with a brilliant batting display which saw them eventually dismissed for 488.
It was a day that went the hosts' way, with good contributions from the lower and middle order.
It was clear that South Africa were in search of quick runs as they plundered 87 runs in the morning session of the day's play for the loss of only one wicket. That wicket came in the form of Quinton de Kock, who was dismissed for 39 off the bowling of Nathan Lyon.
The demise of de Kock did little to slow down the runs being scored by the South Africans. Vernon Philander came in and contributed with a handy 12 runs, getting out after playing an aggressive shot to Lyon. Keshav Maharaj was the next batsman in and he teamed up with Temba Bavuma to score a brisk 45 off 51, falling short of his maiden Test 50 by just 5 runs.
Maharaj played an entertaining innings and was eventually dismissed when he chased a wide delivery from fast bowler Pat Cummins. Maharaj played with the skill of a top order batsman, and will be sorely disappointed to have gotten out the way he did.
The star of the day was Temba Bavuma, who was left stranded on an unbeaten 95 after Morkel departed for a duck. Bavuma played a very mature innings and showed signs of a return to form, which will be extremely pleasing for the South African side.
The South Africans will be happy with the way in which they carried themselves. They put together six stands of over 50, with one of those stands going over 100. A score of around 400 runs would have been a very competitive score on this pitch, however, they have scored almost 100 runs more than that, ensuring that the Australians have to put in a huge effort with the bat.
While a lot of praise must go to the South African batting, a lot of credit must also be given to Cummins who bowled exceptionally well to finish with figures of 5 for 83. He hit the deck hard and was easily the pick of the Australian bowlers.