Travis Head's Instagram jab at Temba Bavuma precedes South Africa's 2-1 series turnaround
On October 13, 2026, after Australia defeated South Africa by 214 runs in the opening Test in Durban, Australian opener Travis Head posted an Instagram Story that mocked South Africa captain Temba Bavuma; that post preceded a South African comeback which ended with a 2-1 series win.
The Instagram clip Head shared showed Bavuma appearing stunned at the opening Test scorecard before cutting to Josh Hazlewood dancing under a spotlight. Hazlewood had taken 6/49 in South Africa's second innings and eight wickets in the match as Australia moved 1-0 ahead in the series.
Facing the prospect of going 0-2 down, South Africa recovered in the second Test at Gqeberha when the visitors were 97/5; Bavuma produced a career-best 179 off 334 deliveries, striking 18 fours and a six. Marco Jansen added 85 and Simon Harmer 82 as South Africa reached 425/9 declared.
Marco Jansen then claimed 5/33 as Australia were dismissed for 99 and forced to follow on. Travis Head scored a fighting 121 in Australia's second innings, but South Africa completed an innings-and-31-run victory to level the series 1-1.
In the Cape Town decider Australia held a 100-run first-innings lead, but South Africa responded in their second innings with Ryan Rickelton's 101 and Wiaan Mulder's 115 to post 387 and set a target of 288. Kagiso Rabada struck early before Simon Harmer's 6/36 bowled Australia out for 111, and South Africa won by 176 runs to seal the series 2-1.
Head's Instagram banter accompanied Australia's opening triumph, but by the series' conclusion South Africa had reclaimed the top spot in the ICC Men's Test Team Rankings, moving to 124 rating points, two ahead of Australia on 122.
