Scott Boland Claims Four Wickets as Australia Dominates Rain-Affected Day Two Against South Africa
Australia tightened their grip on the second Test, reducing South Africa to 97 for 5 by stumps on a day again impacted by persistent rain at St George's Park.
The story
Day two of the second Test between South Africa and Australia at St George's Park saw Australia extend their advantage despite significant rain delays. Resuming on 20 for 2, South Africa's batters faced a relentless Australian pace attack.
Scott Boland was the wrecker-in-chief, adding three more wickets to his tally for the day to finish with impressive figures of 4 for 31. He dismissed overnight batter Marques Ackerman early for six, and later accounted for Ryan Rickelton, who had battled to 31.
Rickelton shared a valuable 52-run fifth-wicket partnership with captain Temba Bavuma, who remained unbeaten on 41 at the close of play. Mitchell Starc also picked up a wicket, removing Matthew Breetzke for four. South Africa ended the day on 97 for 5, still trailing significantly, with Australia firmly in control.
Latest results
| Match | Format | Result | Star |
|---|---|---|---|
| Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe | ODI | Afghanistan won by 158 runs | Sediqullah Atal (AFG) 102 (110) |
| South Africa vs Australia | Test | Day 2 Stumps: South Africa 97/5 | Scott Boland (AUS) 4/31 |
Series in play
Australia tour of South Africa, 2nd Test. Day 2 Stumps: South Africa 97/5 vs Australia
ODI Tri-Nation Series in UAE, 2026. Afghanistan leads after winning 2nd Match
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, with South Africa in third place after the first Test. |
| ICC Men's ODI Team Rankings | 1. India | India retained the top position in the annual update as of May 2026. |
| ICC Men's T20I Team Rankings | 1. England & India (tied) | England and India are tied at the top of the rankings as of September 2026. |
What we'll be watching
- Pakistan vs England (ODI), 2nd Match, Pakistan ODI Tri-Series, 2026, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium (October 20, 08:00Z)
- South Africa vs Australia (Test), 2nd Test, Day 3, Australia tour of South Africa, 2026, St George's Park (October 20, 08:00Z)
- Uganda vs Zambia (T20), 1st Match, ICC Men's T20 World Cup Africa Sub Regional Qualifier C 2026, Nigeria Cricket Federation Oval 1 (October 20, 09:00Z)
- Lesotho vs Mozambique (T20), 2nd Match, ICC Men's T20 World Cup Africa Sub Regional Qualifier C 2026, Nigeria Cricket Federation Oval 1 (October 20, 13:00Z)
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