Rain and Boland Leave South Africa Reeling at 20-2 on Day One of Second Test

Only 12.2 overs were possible on the opening day of the second Test between South Africa and Australia at St George's Park, with rain wrecking the schedule and the hosts crawling to 20 for 2 at stumps.

Play began nearly two hours late after a soaked morning session, and Australia — who won the toss and bowled — made every ball count. Seam bowler Scott Boland struck twice in two balls after lunch, dismissing Aiden Markram for 11 and David Bedingham for a golden duck.

Boland's perfect double

Brought in as Australia's only change — off-spinner Nathan Lyon dropped — Boland swung one back through Markram's defences and had Bedingham caught behind next delivery. The Victorian finished the truncated day with 2 for 5 from 3.2 overs, including two maidens, leaving debutant Marques Ackerman (5 not out) and captain Temba Bavuma (4 not out) to resume.

Selection gambles on both sides

South Africa made three changes: Kagiso Rabada returns after injury, Ryan Rickelton takes the gloves, and Ackerman debuted alongside Matthew Breetzke. But the story of the day was the weather, with more rain forecast for Monday. Australia, already 1-0 up after the 214-run Durban win, sit top of the World Test Championship standings with one eye on the 2027 final.

Source: Associated Press / Sports wires