Scott Boland strikes twice in two balls as rain ruins day one of South Africa v Australia Test

Scott Boland made an instant impact on his recall as rain wrecked the opening day of the second Test between South Africa and Australia at St George's Park in Gqeberha. Only 12.2 overs were possible on Sunday, 18 October, but Boland struck twice in two balls to leave the hosts on 20 for 2 before the weather closed in for good. Australia lead the three-Test series 1-0.

Two balls, two wickets

South Africa were sent in on a grey morning, and a downpour delayed the start by around two hours. Play then halted for an early lunch after just 5.3 overs, and when the players returned Boland needed only a handful of deliveries to change the mood.

In the ninth over, Aiden Markram, who had made 11, dragged an inside edge onto his stumps. Next ball, David Bedingham pushed at one outside off stump and was caught behind for a golden duck. Boland finished the abbreviated day with figures of 2 for 5 from 3.2 overs. Debutant Marques Ackerman, opening for the first time in a first-class match, was 5 not out from 32 balls, with captain Temba Bavuma on 4. Another heavy shower ended play at 4.15pm local time.

Lyon left out for an all-pace attack

Boland's selection came at the expense of Nathan Lyon, with Australia opting for a four-pronged pace attack. It is the first time since 2013 that the veteran off-spinner has been left out of an Australian Test XI while fit. Before this match Boland had taken 82 wickets in 19 Tests at an average below 19, numbers that explain why the tourists wanted him on a seam-friendly pitch.

South Africa made three changes after their heavy defeat in Durban. Ackerman and Matthew Breetzke came into the side, Kagiso Rabada returned from injury, and Keshav Maharaj, Tristan Stubbs and Kyle Verreynne dropped out. Ryan Rickelton took the wicketkeeping gloves and moved down to No. 6. There was also a late change among the officials: Chris Gaffaney withdrew with food poisoning, giving Gqeberha-born Arno Jacobs his Test umpiring debut.

Australia in control of the series

The tourists arrived in Gqeberha after winning the first Test in Durban by 214 runs. Australia recovered from 124 for 6 in their first innings, Matthew Renshaw scored 190 and 82, and Josh Hazlewood's six-wicket haul sealed the result on the final day. Victory here would give Pat Cummins' side the series with a match to spare.

For South Africa the stakes are high. The defeat in Durban dropped them to third in the World Test Championship standings, and they need a strong finish to the series to stay in contention for the 2027 final.

Day two in Malaysia time

Scheduled play in Gqeberha begins at 10am local time, which is 4pm in Malaysia, with the final session running until about 11pm Malaysia time. Extra time is available each day to recover lost overs, so the start may be brought forward after Sunday's washout. With so much time already lost, both teams will be hoping the forecast allows a full day on Monday.

Key takeaways

• Only 12.2 overs were bowled on a rain-hit first day in Gqeberha.
• Scott Boland took two wickets in two balls to reduce South Africa to 20 for 2.
• Australia dropped Nathan Lyon to play four fast bowlers.
• South Africa debutant Marques Ackerman opened the batting and was 5 not out at the close.
• Australia lead the three-Test series 1-0 after a 214-run win in Durban.

FAQ

What is the score in the second Test between South Africa and Australia? At the end of a rain-shortened first day, South Africa were 20 for 2 in their first innings after 12.2 overs.

Why was Nathan Lyon left out? Australia chose an all-pace attack for the conditions in Gqeberha, bringing in Scott Boland in place of the off-spinner.

What time does play start in Malaysia? Scheduled first ball is 10am in Gqeberha, which is 4pm in Malaysia, although an earlier start is possible to make up lost time.

Sources: ESPNcricinfo, Sky Sports, ABC News, cricket.com.au, Al Jazeera