AUS vs SA, Gqeberha Test: Temba Bavuma breaks Mohammad Azharuddin’s long-standing record

South Africa captain Temba Bavuma etched his name in the record books with a magnificent 179 against Australia in the second Test at Gqeberha, becoming the oldest captain to score 150 or more against the Australians in Test cricket.

At 36 years and 154 days, Bavuma surpassed the previous record held by former India captain Mohammad Azharuddin, who scored 163 in Kolkata in 1998 at the age of 35 years and 38 days. England's Wally Hammond and Mike Denness occupy the next positions on the list, with scores of 240 and 188 respectively.

Bavuma's landmark innings came after South Africa endured a difficult start on Day 3. Following a prolonged rain delay, Australian pacer Scott Boland struck repeatedly to leave the hosts in trouble. The skipper steadied the innings, building vital partnerships with Ryan Rickelton, Marco Jansen and Simon Harmer for the fifth, seventh and eighth wickets.

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His marathon knock finally ended late in the day's play, after which South Africa declared their first innings at 425/9.

Bavuma also became the oldest captain, and the first since Australia's Arthur Lindsay Hassett, to score 150 or more in a Test innings in South Africa. Hassett had made 167 against the hosts at the same venue in 1950, aged 36 years and 187 days.

Bavuma's 179 is also the fourth-highest individual score by a South African captain in a home Test. He trails Hashim Amla, who registered 208 and 201, and Graeme Smith, whose highest mark on the list is 183.

The innings underlined Bavuma's resilience under pressure, helping South Africa recover from early setbacks while adding another significant milestone to his Test career. (With Agency inputs)