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SportsCricket

Boland takes four as South Africa stumble to 97 for 5 in rain-hit Gqeberha Test

Only about 30 overs were possible on day two at St George's Park. Matt Renshaw's one-handed catch at slip removed Ryan Rickelton, and Temba Bavuma is holding South Africa together on 41.

From the editorial desk · GqeberhaPublished
Australia batter and slip fielder Matt Renshaw (file photo)
Australia batter and slip fielder Matt Renshaw (file photo)Photos: Dave Morton / Wikimedia Commons; Michael Sherman / Wikimedia Commons, Public domain, CC BY 3.0

Key points

  1. South Africa closed day two on 97 for 5 after rain and a wet outfield delayed the start.
  2. Scott Boland has 4 for 31 in the innings, including debutant Marques Ackerman.
  3. Captain Temba Bavuma is 41 not out, with Wiaan Mulder on 2.

Scott Boland kept Australia on top in Gqeberha on Monday, taking two more wickets on another day ruined by rain as South Africa reached 97 for 5 at stumps on the second day of the second Test.

Rain and a wet outfield held up the start at St George’s Park, and play only got going late in the day. About 30 overs were bowled, after just 12.2 on Sunday, but Australia made the most of them.

Boland now has 4 for 31 in the innings. Recalled in place of Nathan Lyon, he had removed Aiden Markram and David Bedingham in two balls on day one. On Monday he added debutant opener Marques Ackerman, caught behind by Alex Carey for 6 off 38 balls, and later Ryan Rickelton.

Renshaw’s stunner

Mitchell Starc struck in between. Matthew Breetzke, back in the side for this match, edged him behind to Carey for 4, and South Africa were 40 for 4.

Rickelton and captain Temba Bavuma then put together the only real resistance of the innings. Rickelton had made 31 when he edged Boland low to first slip, where Matt Renshaw dived to his right and held a one-handed catch inches off the turf.

Bavuma remains the key wicket. He is 41 not out, with Wiaan Mulder on 2, and South Africa need him to bat long on day three if they are to post a total that can trouble Australia.

Hazlewood absence

Australia were without Josh Hazlewood for the day after he fell ill. He is expected to be available again on Tuesday.

The rain that has wiped out most of the first two days has also left the visitors with limited time to force a result. Australia lead the three-match series 1-0, so a draw would still leave them in front heading into the final Test.

The forecast is better for the next three days, and with South Africa five down and still well short of a competitive total, Australia will feel the happier side going into day three on Tuesday.