Boland’s Four and Bavuma’s Fight Leave South Africa 97-5 on Rain-Hit Day Two

Australia are closing in on a series-sealing win at St George's Park after Scott Boland tore through South Africa's top order on a rain-shortened second day of the second Test. Heavy overnight rain wiped out the first two sessions in Gqeberha, but the 30.4 overs that were possible belonged entirely to the tourists, who left South Africa reeling at 97 for 5 at stumps.

Resuming on 20 for 2, the Proteas' resistance crumbled quickly. Debutant Marques Ackerman fell for 6, nicking Boland behind in the day's third over, before Mitchell Starc removed Matthew Breetzke for 4 — also caught behind by Alex Carey. At 40 for 4, only captain Temba Bavuma stood firm.

Bavuma found an ally in Ryan Rickelton, and the pair added 52 for the fifth wicket to steady the innings. But just as the fightback gathered momentum, Matt Renshaw produced a stunning one-handed catch at first slip to send Rickelton back for 31 and hand Boland his fourth wicket of the innings. Bavuma remained unbeaten on a gritty 41 from 108 balls, with Wiaan Mulder on 2.

Boland's day

The Victorian quick finished with figures of 4 for 31 from 14 overs, adding to the two wickets he claimed in the single hour of play possible on Sunday. Australia had to manage without Josh Hazlewood, who missed the entire day with an upset stomach after his career-best 6 for 49 in the first Test, but Beau Webster helped fill the all-pace gap. Hazlewood is expected to be fit for day three.

What day three holds

Australia lead the three-match series 1-0 after a 214-run demolition in Durban, and with the forecast set fair and 146 overs already lost in the match, they will back themselves to force a result. South Africa need Bavuma to bat deep — and quickly — if they are to stay alive in the series.

Source: Reuters / ESPNcricinfo