Rain and a waterlogged outfield disrupted play on day two of the second cricket test between South Africa and Australia at St. George’s Park in Gqeberha on Monday, October 19, 2026. The teams delayed their arrival to the ground, with the first two sessions wiped out before sunshine allowed play to resume.
When action did get underway, Australia’s bowlers dominated. Scott Boland, leading the Australian attack, finished the day with 4-31 from 14 overs, having taken two additional wickets on day two. South Africa ended the day at 97-5, a precarious position in the match.
South Africa captain Temba Bavuma showed resilience, remaining unbeaten on 41 from 108 balls at stumps. According to the report, “Bavuma’s defense and patience were immaculate.” He struck the only six of the day, hooking Pat Cummins over the boundary.
Debutant Marques Ackerman was dismissed quickly, nicking Boland behind on 6 in the day’s third over. Mitchell Starc removed Matthew Breetzke, caught behind for 4, to reduce South Africa to 40-4. Ryan Rickelton, who moved from opening to the middle order for this match, scored 31 from 51 balls before being caught at slip by Matt Renshaw off Cummins’ bowling.
Rickelton and Bavuma combined for 52 runs across 14 overs, temporarily stemming Australia’s momentum. However, Rickelton’s dismissal left South Africa vulnerable again. Wiaan Mulder joined Bavuma at stumps with 2 runs to his name.
Australia’s attack operated without Josh Hazlewood, who was ill and did not field all day, though he is expected to be fit for day three. Beau Webster joined the all-pace attack to cover for Hazlewood’s absence. Better weather is forecast for the remaining three days of the test.
Key facts
- Scott Boland took 4-31 from 14 overs on day two
- South Africa reached 97-5 by end of day two
- Temba Bavuma was unbeaten on 41 from 108 balls
- Rain and a soggy outfield wiped out the first two sessions of play
- Josh Hazlewood was ill and did not field but is expected to be fit for day three