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Boland strikes twice in two balls before rain wipes out Gqeberha Test day one
Only 12.2 overs were possible at St George's Park, where South Africa reached 20 for 2. Scott Boland, brought in for Nathan Lyon, removed Aiden Markram and David Bedingham.
Key points
- Rain allowed only 12.2 overs on the first day of the second Test.
- Scott Boland took two wickets in two balls as South Africa reached 20 for 2.
- Australia, 1-0 up in the series, left out Nathan Lyon on a cloudy morning.
Scott Boland needed just two balls to justify his recall, but rain had the final say on the opening day of the second Test between South Africa and Australia at St George’s Park in Gqeberha on Sunday. Only 12.2 overs were bowled, and South Africa closed on 20 for 2.
The start was pushed back by about two hours after rain and a pitch inspection. Australia captain Pat Cummins won the toss and chose to bowl. “Obviously a little bit of cloud about, a bit of weather, and the pitch looks a good one,” he said.
Australia, who lead the three-match series 1-0, brought in Boland for off-spinner Nathan Lyon. “Scotty Boland has been incredible whenever he’s played Test cricket,” Cummins said.
Mitchell Starc opened the bowling to Aiden Markram, and the players went off after about five overs before an early lunch. When Boland got his chance, he bowled Markram for 11 with a ball that seamed back sharply through the gate, then had David Bedingham caught behind first ball with one that moved away.
Captain Temba Bavuma, on 4, and debutant opener Marques Ackerman, on 5, saw South Africa through until the rain returned, and play was eventually called off for the day with Boland on 2 for 5.
South Africa had made three changes, handing Ackerman his debut and bringing back Matthew Breetzke and Kagiso Rabada, with Simon Harmer preferred to Keshav Maharaj as the spinner. Kyle Verreynne and Tristan Stubbs also missed out.
Play is due to resume on Monday, weather permitting.