Boland Takes 4 For 31 As Rain Holds South Africa To 97 For 5

Scott Boland took 4 for 31 as rain held South Africa to 97 for 5 on day two of the second Test. The ground is St George's Park in Gqeberha. Only 30 overs were possible. South Africa have faced 43 overs across two days. Temba Bavuma was 41 not out at stumps. Wiaan Mulder was on 2.

The first two sessions were washed out. Play began at 3.45pm local time under an extended evening session. South Africa resumed on 20 for 2 and lost three more wickets before the close. Australia lead the series 1-0 after winning the first Test in Durban by 214 runs.

Boland's second-day spell

Boland bowled 14 overs and sent down five maidens. He had already removed Aiden Markram and David Bedingham with consecutive deliveries on the opening day. On Monday he added Marques Ackerman, caught behind for 6, and Ryan Rickelton for 31, taken one-handed at first slip by Matthew Renshaw. Four of the five wickets are his.

• Scott Boland 14-5-31-4
• Mitchell Starc 10-2-27-1
• Pat Cummins 10-2-33-0
• Josh Hazlewood 5-2-3-0
• Beau Webster 4-3-1-0

Hazlewood left the field with an upset stomach and did not return. Sky Sports reported that he is expected to be available for the rest of the match. He took 6 for 49 in Durban. His absence gave Boland the long spell that followed.

Bavuma holds an end

Bavuma came in at 25 for 3 and was still there at the close. He has 41 from an innings that has given him very little to work with at the other end. Rickelton gave him 52 for the fifth wicket. It is the only stand of substance so far. Rickelton was dropped on 26 by Marnus Labuschagne off Cummins. He edged Boland to slip six runs later.

Ackerman's debut

Marques Ackerman opened the batting on debut and made 6. Matthew Breetzke returned to the side after the first Test and fell for 4, caught behind off Starc with a wide drive. The home top order has now been dismissed for 12, 12, 25 and 40 at the fall of its first four wickets. Four batters remain. Jansen, Harmer, Nortje and Rabada are still to come.

Weather and the Gqeberha schedule

One hour was possible on day one. Thirty overs followed on day two. That leaves three days to force a result. The surface has barely been used. South Africa have not reached three figures. Day three begins at 9am local time.

A draw would keep the series at 1-0 with one Test to play. Australia would retain the lead either way, and South Africa need the rain to clear if they are to level it.