Scott Boland's Double Strike Puts Australia in Control on Rain-Affected Opening Day of Second Test
Persistent rain limited play to just 12.2 overs, but Australia's early breakthroughs have given them an advantage in the second Test against South Africa.
The story
The second Test between South Africa and Australia at St George's Park in Gqeberha was severely impacted by rain on its opening day. After Australia won the toss and elected to bowl, persistent interruptions meant only 12.2 overs were possible before stumps were called early. South Africa reached 20 for 2, with Australian pacer Scott Boland making the most of the limited play.
Boland, playing his first Test in nearly ten months, delivered two crucial blows in quick succession. He first dismissed opener Aiden Markram for 11, bowling him with a delivery that nipped in off the pitch. On the very next ball, Boland had David Bedingham caught behind for a duck, leaving South Africa reeling at 12 for 2. Captain Temba Bavuma (4*) and debutant Marques Ackerman (5*) were at the crease when play was abandoned for the day. The early wickets on a green-tinged pitch under overcast conditions gave Australia a significant boost despite the frustrating weather.
Latest results
| Match | Format | Result | Star |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Africa vs Australia, 2nd Test, Day 1 | Test | Stumps, Day 1 - South Africa 20/2 | Scott Boland (2/5) |
| Oman vs Nepal, 139th Match | ODI | Result not available yet |
Series in play
Australia tour of South Africa, 2026. 2nd Test, Australia leads the three-match series 1-0
Tables that matter
| Competition | Position | Note |
|---|---|---|
| ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 | 1. Australia (81.82% PCT), 3. South Africa (60.00% PCT) | Australia leads the standings, while South Africa is aiming to improve its position. |
| ICC Men's Test Team Rankings | 1. Australia, 2. South Africa, 4. India | Australia holds the top spot in the official Test team rankings. |
What we'll be watching
- South Africa vs Australia (Test), 2nd Test, Day 2 at St George's Park (October 19, 08:00 UTC)
- Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe (ODI), 2nd Match, ODI Tri-Nation Series in UAE at Sheikh Zayed Stadium (October 19, 11:30 UTC)
- Pakistan vs England (ODI), 2nd Match, Pakistan ODI Tri-Series at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium (October 20, 08:00 UTC)
- South Africa vs Australia (Test), 2nd Test, Day 3 at St George's Park (October 20, 08:00 UTC)
- Uganda vs Zambia (T20), 1st Match, ICC Men's T20 World Cup Africa Sub Regional Qualifier C at Nigeria Cricket Federation Oval 1 (October 20, 09:00 UTC)
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