19 October 2026 Punjab Khabarnama Bureau : Persistent rain severely disrupted the opening day of the second Test between South Africa and Australia at St George’s Park in Gqeberha on Sunday, October 18, 2026. Only 12.2 overs were possible before play was abandoned, leaving South Africa struggling at 20 for two wickets in their first innings. Australia made the most of the limited action, with fast bowler Scott Boland claiming two wickets in consecutive deliveries.
Australia won the toss and elected to bowl, taking advantage of conditions that appeared favourable for fast bowling. However, rain delayed the start by almost two hours, and further interruptions prevented either side from establishing any rhythm. South Africa had reached 11 without loss by lunch after just 5.3 overs, but the brief period of play after the break proved costly for the hosts.
Scott Boland Delivers a Double Strike
Boland produced the defining moment of the day by dismissing Aiden Markram and David Bedingham with consecutive deliveries. Markram was bowled for 11 from 28 balls in the ninth over after an inside edge sent the ball onto his stumps. Boland then removed Bedingham for a golden duck, with wicketkeeper Alex Carey completing the catch behind the stumps.
The back-to-back dismissals left South Africa at 12 for two, putting early pressure on a batting lineup that had already been challenged by Australia in the opening Test.
Boland finished the limited day’s play with figures of two wickets for five runs from 3.2 overs. His accuracy and ability to exploit the conditions gave Australia an early advantage in the contest, even though the weather prevented the visitors from building on their breakthrough.
South Africa’s Batters Face Early Pressure
At stumps, debutant Marques Ackerman was unbeaten on five from 32 deliveries, while captain Temba Bavuma remained not out on four from 13 balls. The pair will be expected to steady the innings when play resumes, with South Africa needing a substantial recovery after losing two early wickets.
Ackerman faced a difficult introduction to Test cricket, opening the innings under challenging conditions against Australia’s pace attack. His immediate priority will be to preserve his wicket and build a partnership with Bavuma.
South Africa also made several changes to their playing XI. Kagiso Rabada returned after recovering from a hamstring injury, while Ackerman and Matthew Breetzke were brought into the batting lineup. Ryan Rickelton took over wicketkeeping duties. Australia, meanwhile, left out Nathan Lyon and selected Boland as part of a four-man pace attack.
Australia Lead the Three-Match Series
Australia entered the second Test with a 1-0 lead after winning the opening match in Durban by 214 runs. The visitors are seeking another victory to strengthen their position in the series, while South Africa need a strong response to keep their hopes of levelling the contest alive.
The weather interruption has complicated the task for both sides. Lost playing time leaves less opportunity to build pressure through long batting innings and sustained bowling spells. Further rain could also affect the remaining days, making every available session important.
Weather Could Continue to Influence the Test
The opening day highlighted the challenges of playing Test cricket during a period when conditions can be unpredictable. Repeated interruptions affected the timing of the start, lunch and the eventual abandonment of play.
When the match resumes, Australia will look to exploit the movement available to its fast bowlers, while South Africa will attempt to rebuild through Ackerman, Bavuma and the middle order still waiting to bat.
With South Africa at 20-2 after only 12.2 overs, the contest remains in its early stages. However, Boland’s double strike has given Australia a promising start in the limited cricket played so far.