Speaking on ICC Digital Daily after Day 3 play, Smith summed up the significance of the moment: \u201cTemba holding the mace and what that will mean for the people back home - I think this will really lift the game again in South Africa.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
At stumps on Day 3, South Africa stood just 69 runs away from glory, reaching 213\/2 after a magnificent, unbeaten 143-run stand between Markram (102*) and Bavuma (65*), who battled through a hamstring injury.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Smith praised the resilience of a team that clawed its way back from 75 runs behind in the first innings: \u201cWe\u2019ve seen such ups and downs, ebbs and flows in this Test match. South Africa fought back, bowled well, and got themselves back in the game. What an innings from Aiden Markram, and a partnership as well with Temba Bavuma.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Highlighting Bavuma\u2019s grit, Smith said: \u201cWe mustn\u2019t underestimate that he\u2019s fought through a sore hamstring, really putting his country first and building that partnership. He\u2019s been South Africa\u2019s most consistent batter, and he\u2019s looked in control throughout.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Markram too came in for special praise, especially after his first-innings duck. \u201cI actually picked him at the start of this innings. If South Africa are going to do this, he\u2019s the man. He scores freely and keeps the scoreboard ticking. The punch off the back foot early on - right then you knew, the man\u2019s here today.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Smith also reflected on the tactical approach of the Australians. \u201cI think the attack did everything they could. Maybe Lyon could have bowled wider into the rough. Cummins had quite a defensive field at times, especially with Bavuma\u2019s injury - they maybe needed to force the play more when 150 were still needed.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Still, Smith had nothing but admiration for the South African batters. \u201cYou have to give credit to the South Africans. I don\u2019t want to take away from their performance. Today, with Aiden and Temba in particular, was outstanding.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Having once led the national side during a turbulent period, Smith acknowledged how far the team has come. \"We\u2019ve fought extremely hard over the last two to three years to build South African cricket up again. Everyone wrote South Africa off before this game. Now they sit on the brink of beating a great Australian team in a final.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Still, Smith had nothing but admiration for the South African batters. \u201cYou have to give credit to the South Africans. I don\u2019t want to take away from their performance. Today, with Aiden and Temba in particular, was outstanding.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
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