South Africa vs New Zealand 2017: 2nd Test- Day 2, 5 talking points

De Kock and Bavuma put together a decisive 160 run stand

#2 Temba Bavuma, South Africa's crisis man

Bavuma played a brave innings

Temba Bavuma's Test average reads an unimpressive 32.76 after 19 Tests. But there is a story that stats do not tell. The short statured dynamic batsman has played a valuable knock each time the team has needed him to step up.

In short, he has been their crisis man. Be it the gutsy unbeaten 78 against England at Centurion or the half-centuries at Perth and Hobart, Bavuma has ensured he puts a price on his wicket every time the team needs.

Today, he strung together a game-changing 160-run stand with Quinton de Kock to help South Africa from a deep hole they dug themselves. Bavuma was edgy in parts but the sheer manner in which he held himself together at the crease deserves praise. He fell 11 short of a deserved hundred.

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