Scott Boland put Australia into a commanding position after a lengthy rain delay on the second day of the second Test against South Africa at St George’s Park.
Boland finished with figures of four for 31 as the hosts limped to 97 for five at stumps, with captain Temba Bavuma remaining unbeaten on 41. Scoring 41 not out, captain Temba Bavuma stood firm for the hosts.
Playing as part of an all-pace Australian attack, Boland followed up his two wickets from the weather-disrupted opening day by striking in the third over of the morning session.
Just five runs had been added to the overnight score of 20 for two before Boland removed debutant Marques Ackerman, who edged a seaming delivery from around the wicket through to wicketkeeper Alex Carey for six. With the left-hander edging a ball bowled from around the wicket which seamed away off the pitch, new cap Marques Ackerman was caught behind by wicketkeeper Alex Carey for six.
Mitchell Starc then claimed the third wicket when Matthew Breetzke fell for four after playing a loose stroke, handing Carey his third catch of the innings.
South Africa attempted a recovery as Ryan Rickelton contributed 31, sharing a 52-run fifth-wicket partnership with Bavuma, before Boland returned to the attack shortly before the close.
Rickelton departed to a brilliant one-handed catch at first slip by Matt Renshaw off Boland’s bowling.
Play had been delayed by six hours following an overnight downpour that dumped more than 60mm of rain on the venue, though bright sunshine eventually dried the outfield. The sun was shining brightly by the time the outfield had dried enough for play to start and batting conditions were expected to ease.
Fast bowler Josh Hazlewood was absent from the field due to illness but was expected to return to action.
The disciplined Australian bowling performance leaves the reigning world Test champions under severe pressure in the three-match series, having dropped the opening fixture in Durban by 214 runs. Australia, who are touring South Africa for the first time since the 2018 sandpaper scandal, won by 214 runs and can wrap up the three-match series when the second Test gets under way in Gqeberha on Sunday. “A Test match of this quality deserved greater support in the stands.
In the wake of that opening match, a senior cricket official confirmed plans for an internal review following a low turnout of fewer than 20,000 spectators across the five days.
KwaZulu-Natal Cricket Union chief executive Heinrich Strydom addressed the poor attendance by stating, “It is impossible to overlook our disappointment that just under 20,000 fans attended across the five days.”
Strydom added, “Test cricket is part of our sporting heritage and its future depends on all of us.” “We need to listen to our supporters, reconnect with our communities and continue to find ways to make Test cricket more accessible, engaging and appealing.
