Rain causes further delays in second South Africa Test
Scott Bailey |
Australia’s push for more South African wickets has been halted by the rain at St George’s Park, with the start of day two to be significantly delayed.
After the Proteas fell to 2-20 and just 12.2 overs were possible on the opening day of the second Test on Sunday, persistent rain showers continued across the night at Gqeberha.
No play is expected before the scheduled lunch time of midday local time (9pm AEDT), with both teams still not at the ground less than an hour before the scheduled start time.
The rain is forecast to clear mid-morning, with a hope of play resuming later on day two.
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 Markham with a ball that nipped back and drew the inside edge, knocking out the opener’s middle stump.
The 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 series for Australia after the 214-run victory in Durban last week, and make them the first team to triumph in South Africa since England in 2019-20.
AAP