Travis Head trolled Temba Bavuma on Instagram after Australia won the opening Test by 214 runs. However, Bavuma bounced back in spectacular fashion to lead South Africa to a 2-1 series triumph. The Proteas captain scored a career-best 179 in Gqeberha, helping his team turn the contest on its head.
Travis Head might want to think twice before trolling Temba Bavuma on Instagram again. The Australian opener had a little fun at the South African captain's expense after Australia crushed the Proteas by 214 runs in the opening Test in Durban. But what followed was perhaps the last thing Head would have wanted. Bavuma bounced back in spectacular fashion, inspired South Africa to level the series and eventually watched his team clinch a memorable 2-1 triumph.
Following Australia's victory, Head took to Instagram Stories to share a cheeky video mocking Bavuma. The clip showed the South African captain looking stunned after seeing the scorecard of the opening Test before cutting to Josh Hazlewood dancing under a spotlight. The message was hard to miss.
Hazlewood had ripped through the Proteas batting line-up, claiming 6/49 in the second innings and finishing with eight wickets in the match. Australia had taken a 1-0 lead, and Head clearly wanted to enjoy the moment.
But Bavuma had other plans. And he did not need an Instagram story to deliver his response.
BAVUMA TURNS THE TABLES IN STYLE
With South Africa staring at the possibility of going 0-2 down in the series, their captain produced a knock for the ages in Gqeberha. The Proteas were struggling at 97/5 after losing early wickets, with Australia's bowlers seemingly in complete control. Bavuma, however, refused to let the game slip away.
The South African skipper produced a career-best 179 off 334 deliveries, striking 18 fours and a six. He found crucial support from Marco Jansen, who smashed 85, and Simon Harmer, who contributed 82. Their efforts helped South Africa reach 425/9 declared and turn the contest on its head.
The Proteas then made Australia's first innings a nightmare. Marco Jansen claimed 5/33 as the visitors were bundled out for just 99, forcing them to follow on. Travis Head did offer resistance with a fighting 121 in the second innings, but it was not enough to prevent South Africa from completing an innings-and-31-run victory and levelling the series 1-1.
And the comeback was not over.
Australia managed to take a 100-run first-innings lead in the Cape Town decider, but South Africa fought back once again. Ryan Rickelton scored 101 while Wiaan Mulder made 115 as the hosts posted 387 in their second innings, setting Australia a target of 288. Kagiso Rabada struck early before Simon Harmer produced a sensational 6/36 to bowl Australia out for 111. South Africa won by 176 runs to seal the series 2-1.
Head's Instagram banter had celebrated Australia's opening triumph. But by the end of the series, it was Bavuma and the Proteas who had the last laugh. Australia had won the first battle, but South Africa won the war.
And to rub salt into Australia's wounds, the Proteas also reclaimed the No.1 position in the ICC Men's Test Team Rankings, climbing to 124 rating points, two ahead of Australia on 122. From Head's cheeky Instagram troll to losing the series and the top ranking, it turned out to be a fortnight the Australians would rather forget.