As Australia tightened their hold on the second Test at St George’s Park on Monday, Scott Boland continued to cause problems for South Africa’s hitters, taking four wickets for thirty-one runs. After losing by 214 runs in the first Test in Durban, the hosts were reduced to 97 for five at stumps on Day 2, still trailing Australia’s attempt to win the series. When play resumes on Tuesday, South Africa hopes to limit the damage, with captain Temba Bavuma remaining undefeated on 41 and Wiaan Mulder on two at the end.
The resumption of the first two sessions was postponed until 3:45 PM local time due to heavy rain and a soggy outfield. Australia did not take long to put South Africa under pressure once play started. Boland took two wickets on Day 1 after dismissing rookie opener Marques Ackerman for six. After the batter played away from his body and edged a delivery behind, Mitchell Starc removed Matthew Breetzke for four. South Africa fell to 40/4, putting the home team in grave danger.
Bavuma partnered Ryan Rickelton in rebuilding via patience and disciplined batting as the innings was on the verge of collapse. In the face of Australia’s unrelenting pace attack, the two showed more poise by adding 52 runs for the fifth wicket.
Rickelton scored 31 runs, while Bavuma combined strong defence with sporadic offensive attempts. But late in the day, Australia struck once more. After being dropped on 26, Rickelton sent Boland in the direction of the slips, where Matt Renshaw ended the partnership with an incredible one-handed grab. Starc claimed 1/27, while Boland concluded with figures of 4/31.
After winning the first Test by 214 runs, Australia went into the match leading 1-0 in the three-Test series. On Day 3, with better weather predicted, the visitors will try to hold onto their lead, while South Africa will mostly rely on Bavuma to spearhead a resolute comeback.
