Scott Boland dismissed Aiden Markram and David Bedingham with successive balls as South Africa reached 20 for 2 after only 12.2 overs on a rain-ruined first day of the second Test against Australia in Gqeberha. Play began almost two hours late.
Gqeberha, South Africa: The rain decided most of what happened at St George’s Park on Sunday. In the little cricket that was possible, Scott Boland made sure Australia took the honours.
A late start and an early lunch
Australia won the toss and chose to bowl, and a delay of almost two hours meant play did not begin until well into the day. South Africa were 11 without loss after 5.3 overs when rain forced an early lunch. The players returned, but showers came back after the break and the day was abandoned at 4.15pm local time, with only 12.2 overs bowled.
Boland’s double strike
Boland, who replaced Nathan Lyon in a one-change Australia side, struck in the ninth over. He removed Aiden Markram for 11, and with the very next ball he had David Bedingham caught behind by Alex Carey for a first-ball duck. South Africa were 12 for 2. Boland finished with 2 for 5 from 3.2 overs, two of them maidens.
Debut, return and a reshuffle
South Africa made three changes to the side beaten in Durban. Marques Ackerman made his Test debut, Matthew Breetzke came in, and Kagiso Rabada returned from a hamstring injury. Keshav Maharaj, Kyle Verreynne and Tristan Stubbs were left out, and Ryan Rickelton took the wicketkeeping gloves. Ackerman was unbeaten on 5 off 32 balls at the close, alongside captain Temba Bavuma on 4 off 13.
What lies ahead
Australia lead the three-match series 1-0 after a 214-run win in Durban. Day two starts at 9.45am local time, 15 minutes earlier than usual, but more rain is forecast.
Stumps, day 1: South Africa 20/2 (12.2 overs) – Aiden Markram 11, Temba Bavuma 4*, Marques Ackerman 5*; Scott Boland 2-5 (3.2 overs)
Match: Second Test of three, St George’s Park, Gqeberha, Sunday 18 October 2026. Australia lead 1-0.
