How Travis Head trolled Temba Bavuma on Instagram and Australia paid for it

Travis Head might want to think twice before trolling Temba Bavuma on Instagram again. The Australian opener had some fun at the expense of the South African captain 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 fashionhe inspired South Africa to level the series and eventually watched his team secure a memorable 2-1 triumph.

Following Australia’s win, 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 the floodlights. The message was hard to miss.

Hazlewood tore through the Proteas batting line-up, taking 6/49 in the second innings and finishing with eight wickets in the match. Australia took a 1-0 lead and Head clearly wanted to enjoy the moment.

But Bavuma had other plans. And he didn’t need an Instagram story for his answer.

Travis Head has now posted this video of Bavuma on his Instagram after the win. KM (@MarkramStan) October 13, 2026

BAVUMA TURNS THE TABLES IN STYLE

With South Africa staring at the prospect of losing the series 0-2, their captain produced a knock for the ages in Gqeberha. The Proteas were struggling at 97/5 after losing their first wickets, with the Australian bowlers seemingly in complete control. However, Bavuma refused to let the game slip away.

The South African skipper made a career-best 179 from 334 deliveries, hitting 18 fours and a six. He found vital support from Marc Jansen, who smashed 85, and Simon Harmer, who contributed 82. Their efforts helped South Africa reach a declared 425/9 and turn the contest on its head.

The Proteas then made Australia’s first innings a nightmare. Marco Jansen took 5/33 as the visitors were bowled out for just 99, forcing them to follow on. Travis Head did offer resistance with a fighting 121 in the second innings, but it wasn’t enough to prevent South Africa from completing an innings and 31-run victory to level the series at 1-1.

And the return was not over.

Australia managed to take a 100-run first innings lead in Cape Town, but South Africa again struggled. Ryan Rickelton scored 101 while Wiaan Mulder 115 as the hosts posted 387 in their second innings, setting Australia a target of 288. Kagiso Rabada struck early before Simon Harmer took 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 prank celebrated Australia’s opening triumph. But at the end of the series, it was Bavuma and the Proteas who had the last laugh. Australia won the first battle but South Africa won the war.

And to add salt to Australia’s wounds, the Proteas also reclaimed the No.1 spot in the ICC Men’s Test Team Rankings as they climbed to 124 rating points, two ahead of Australia on 122. From Head’s cheeky Instagram troll to the series loss and top rating, it proved to be a fortnight the Aussies would rather forget.

– The end