SA vs AUS | Twitter relieved as confused Bavuma takes review at eleventh hour to survive at Lord’s

Yesterday at 4:10 PM

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Temba Bavuma while batting for South Africa in a Test match

DRS gives players a second chance to survive in case of errors or blunders by on-field umpires and Temba Bavuma was saved by a last-ditch review against an LBW dismissal in the WTC final. The Proteas skipper was confused but made up his mind at the right moment to extend his stay in the middle.

‌South Africa’s approach to Australia’s first innings total of 212 saw a stark contrast at the beginning of day two of the World Test Championship 2025 Final at Lord’s. After surviving the swinging conditions and an excellent display of pace bowling from the trio of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood towards the end of the first day, South Africa came all guns blazing on day two.

The Proteas skipper Temba Bavuma was quick to make his intentions clear with two boundaries off lofted shots in just the third over of the day bowled by Starc. David Bedingham was also looking solid from the other end as the pair looked to go close to Australia’s first-innings score.

But against the run of play, Hazelwood bowled one that came in sharply after pitching on a fuller length outside off stump. The South Africa skipper was caught in the crease and his lack of footwork meant he was driving away from the body with the cherry thudding into the pads past the bat. The umpire also had no hesitation in raising his finger as it looked like Bavuma would have to walk back.

But just in the nick of time, he had a quick chat with partner Bedingham before hesitantly reviewing the umpire’s call. It looked more like a decision out of desperation as Bavuma nervously continued to watch the proceedings. Bavuma’s confused look even prompted the next batter Kyle Verreynne to get out of his seat to start his walk into the ground.

But replays showed that Bavuma had inside edged the ball onto his pads forcing the umpire to change his decision. The crowd welcomed the change with a roaring applause and Twitter was relieved that he would stay longer in the middle but Bavuma continued with his confused gaze still unable to believe that he edged it.

LOL! How did he survive that?

— Birdman (@kingbirdman22)

Hilarious reactionn from evryone!

Immediate need to check who tf is responsible for ultraedge tech in this WTC. From bgt to today, this is just malfunctioning.

Buana bkl bavuma survives😷
— Ayush🇮🇳 (@munna_jajbati)

Hahahaha!

The amount of times Bavuma doesn't feel it when he's edged a ball needs to be studied 😂

It might just be our day 🤞
— SvH 🎙 (@SandilevHeerden)

Lord he is!

Htf did bavuma escape from that 🤯
— வீர தீர சூரன் (@TnDiCaprio)

Yeah?

My guy Bavuma would’ve walked, when he reviews we know it’s real
— Kimi 🇿🇦🇦🇺 (@sportyspicekimi)

Bavuma is such a lucky guy!

God bless Ultra-Edge & DRS!! Pretty sure Temba Bavuma did not know he nicked that ... at least he reviewed this time. Did David Bedingham play a role?
— Ken Borland (@KenBorland)

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