Temba Bavuma explains why he turned his back during Steve Smith catch moment

A video of South Africa captain Temba Bavuma turning his back and facing the crowd as Matthew Breetzke attempted a high catch off Steve Smith went viral after the second Test at St George's Park, Gqeberha, on Thursday, October 22, 2026. The gesture drew widespread attention and left commentators amused, with many joking about it after the match.

Bavuma addressed the moment directly at his post-match press conference. He explained that windy conditions at St George's Park made high catches particularly difficult and that he could not identify who was positioned under the ball at the time.

"I was very nervous at that time. High catches here at St George's can be tough, especially when the wind is blowing like that. I couldn't see who was under the catch. So, definitely it's not a case of me not having any faith in that individual. It just felt like a big moment in the game. Steve Smith, what an important cog he is withing their batting lineup. I think I just kind of allowed my emotions to get better of me there," said Bavuma.

The dismissal came in the 83rd over of Australia's second innings. Smith had attempted a big hit off Kagiso Rabada's bowling but could only manage a thick top edge that sent the ball soaring into the air. Breetzke, positioned at mid-wicket, juggled the ball before holding on to complete the catch, giving South Africa a crucial breakthrough. Gale-force winds had already delayed the start of day five by over two hours and trimmed 16 overs from the day's allocation, making conditions at the ground genuinely challenging.

Smith had batted at number seven in the second innings, the lowest position he had occupied in Tests since 2014, after suffering neck issues the previous day. He managed only 3 runs before Breetzke's catch ended his stay. Replays clearly showed Bavuma turning his face toward the crowd rather than watching the moment unfold.

South Africa's innings-and-31-run win at Gqeberha

South Africa's victory in the match was comprehensive. After declaring their first innings at 425/9, the Proteas bowled Australia out for 99 and enforced the follow-on. Australia fought back in their second innings but were eventually dismissed for 295, handing South Africa a win by an innings and 31 runs. The result levelled the two-match Test series at 1-1.

Bavuma was named Player of the Match after scoring 179 in South Africa's first innings, a career-best score that helped the Proteas build a commanding lead. His knock with the bat and his now-viral reaction in the field both became talking points from a memorable Test at Gqeberha.