South Africa vs Australia 2018, 4th Test, Day 4: 5 Talking points

#3 South Africa bat long and finally declare after the lead goes past 600

Temba Bavuma continued his good form

With a lead of over 400 at the start of the day, it looked like South Africa would score some quick runs and declare. However, that declaration never came until Tea on the fourth day.

In a shortened first session (due to rain and bad light), Elgar and Du Plessis batted for 20 overs and scored 68 runs. Neither of them seemed in a hurry and continued batting. Post lunch, Du Plessis and Elgar did show some signs of aggression.

Once the skipper got his hundred, he went for his shots and fell in the process. It looked like the declaration would come then, but it wasn’t the case. Elgar was also dismissed for 81 and it seemed sure that was it, but no, South Africa continued batting.

Temba Bavuma and Vernon Philander then added 71 runs in about 14 overs. Their stand stretched the lead beyond 600. At Tea, finally, the declaration came as South Africa decided to have a crack at the Aussies and gave themselves four sessions to bowl them out.