Rain causes further delays in second South Africa Test

Scott Bailey |

Australia’s Scott Boland took two wickets in two balls on a stop-start first day in Gqeberha.
Australia’s Scott Boland took two wickets in two balls on a stop-start first day in Gqeberha.

Australia’s push for more South African wickets has been halted by the rain at St George’s Park, with the first session on day two of the second Test entirely washed out. 

After the Proteas fell to 2-20 and just 12.2 overs were possible on day one on Sunday, persistent rain continued across the night in Gqeberha.

The weather has now cleared, but umpires will wait until 12:15pm (9:15pm AEDT) to inspect a wet outfield and determine when play can restart.

Rain
Rain caused havoc on the first day of the second Test between Australia and South Africa. (AP PHOTO)

Scott Boland had struck twice in two balls on Sunday to justify his selection ahead of Nathan Lyon, as Australia went with four quicks and no frontline spinner. 

The Victorian first bowled Aiden Markram with a ball that nipped back and drew the inside edge, knocking out the opener’s middle stump.

His next delivery pitched in about the same spot and seamed away to have David Bedingham caught behind.

A win at St George’s Park would wrap up the three-Test series for Australia after the 214-run victory in Durban last week, and make them the first visiting team to triumph in South Africa since England in 2019-20. 

AAP