South Africa endured a difficult start to the second Test against Australia as persistent rain interrupted play at St George’s Park in Gqeberha on Sunday, October 18. Australia captain Pat Cummins won the toss and elected to bowl, taking advantage of overcast conditions that offered assistance to the fast bowlers.
South Africa were 20/2 after 12.2 overs when rain forced the players off the field again. Scott Boland delivered the early breakthroughs, dismissing Aiden Markram and David Bedingham to leave the hosts under pressure.
The match is important for South Africa, who are looking to level the three-match series after losing the opening Test in Durban by 214 runs.
Scott Boland Puts Australia on Top
Australia’s decision to bowl first was influenced by the cloud cover and the prospect of movement off the surface. Boland made an immediate impact, removing Markram before dismissing Bedingham in his next over.
South Africa’s new opening combination featured Markram alongside debutant Marques Ackerman. The hosts made several changes to their playing XI as they sought a stronger performance following the heavy defeat in the first Test.
At the latest available score, captain Temba Bavuma was batting on four, while Ackerman had scored five. Both batters faced a challenging task against Australia’s pace attack on a surface offering assistance to the bowlers.
SA vs AUS 2nd Test: Score Summary
South Africa: 20/2 in 12.2 overs
Batter | Runs |
|---|---|
4 | |
Marques Ackerman | 5 |
Australia bowling
Bowler | Overs | Runs | Wickets |
|---|---|---|---|
Scott Boland | 3.2 | 5 | 2 |
Pat Cummins | 1 | 2 | 0 |
Kagiso Rabada Returns for South Africa
South Africa received a boost with the return of fast bowler Kagiso Rabada, who missed the opening Test because of a hamstring injury. Marques Ackerman made his Test debut, while Matthew Breetzke also returned to the side.
Australia made one change, bringing Boland into the playing XI in place of Nathan Lyon. The visitors opted for an additional pace option in conditions expected to favour seam bowling.
Rain Threatens to Disrupt the Test
Repeated interruptions have limited the amount of cricket played on the opening day. The weather remains a major concern, with further rain threatening to reduce playing time over the next few sessions.
Australia lead the series 1-0 after their commanding victory in Durban. South Africa need a stronger performance with both bat and ball to level the contest, but Boland’s early strikes have given the visitors the advantage.
The hosts will hope Bavuma and Ackerman can rebuild their innings when play resumes, while Australia will look to maintain pressure with the new ball.
