South Africa ended a rain-shortened first day of the second Test against Australia on 20/2 in Gqeberha on Sunday, with Monday’s start brought forward to 09:45 SAST.
Play at St George’s Park was called off at 16:15 on 18 October after only 12.2 overs. Captain Temba Bavuma was unbeaten on four and debutant Marques Ackerman on five.
Scott Boland took both wickets, dismissing Aiden Markram for 11 and David Bedingham without scoring from successive deliveries. He finished the day with figures of 2/5 from 3.2 overs, including two maidens.
According to Cricket Australia’s report from the ground, Markram was bowled after getting an inside edge and Bedingham edged his first delivery to wicketkeeper Alex Carey. Bavuma survived the hat-trick ball.
Australia captain Pat Cummins had elected to bowl. The tourists selected Boland in place of off-spinner Nathan Lyon, fielding a pace attack also including Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood.
Rain delayed the start until midday and interrupted play again before the afternoon was abandoned. Ackerman faced 32 deliveries in his first Test innings, while Bavuma faced 13.
Monday’s revised playing hours
The second day, on 19 October, is scheduled to begin at 09:45 SAST, with lunch at 12:00. The afternoon session is listed for 12:40–14:55 and the final session for 15:15–17:15.
Cricket Australia’s updated schedule allows for up to 98 overs, with an extra half-hour available to complete them if light and weather permit.
Australia lead the three-match series 1–0 after winning the first Test by 214 runs. The second Test is scheduled to run until 22 October.
