South Africa tightened their grip on the second Test and the series on Day 3 at Baraspara Stadium in Guwahati, bowling India out for just 201 after piling up a massive 489 in their first innings. With a commanding 288-run lead and more than two full days left, the Proteas were in total control. Whether they enforced the follow-on or chose to bat again, nothing seemed risky. Yet, Temba Bavuma managed to turn this routine decision into one of the most entertaining moments of the match.
India’s innings came to an end when Marco Jansen dismissed Jasprit Bumrah in the 84th over, completing his brilliant six-wicket haul for 6/48. As India walked off, the umpires approached Bavuma, following the usual protocol, to confirm whether South Africa wanted to enforce the follow-on. That is when the amusing drama began, with cameras trailing Bavuma eagerly.
Instead of responding immediately, Bavuma turned to a couple of his teammates, casually asking whether they should bat again. The suggestion itself was clear enough, but Bavuma looked slightly unsure as he relayed a hesitant answer to the umpires. He then requested two minutes, signalling that he needed to check something before confirming the call.
Bavuma jogged all the way towards the sightscreens, craning his neck to look up at the balcony where coach Shukri Conrad was standing. What followed was an animated, wordless exchange of gestures between captain and coach, almost like a silent movie, keeping everyone watching thoroughly amused.
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After this lively balcony consultation, Bavuma finally waved back at the umpires to grab their attention and signalled that South Africa would be batting again. The decision was made, but Bavuma’s theatrics were far from over.
Before walking off, he added another humorous touch by pretending to rev a motorcycle throttle—his way of asking for the roller. He then pressed his palms downward to indicate he wanted the light roller, leaving everyone smiling at the playful, quirky way he handled a routine cricketing procedure.