SA vs AUS: Rain Wipes Out Play Again as SouthAfrica Stumble to 97/5

PC: BBC

South Africa endured another difficult day with the bat, reaching 97/5 at stumps on Monday in the second Test against Australia at St George’s Park in Gqeberha. After finishing Day 1 at 20/2, South Africa needed their middle order to step up, but Australia’s pace attack continued to find a way through. Much of the day’s play was lost due to rain interruptions.

Play began late after a lengthy rain delay, and South Africa soon lost another wicket. Scott Boland dismissed Marques Ackerman for six, with Alex Carey taking the catch behind the stumps.

Ackerman had faced 38 balls at the crease but could not make his start count, and South Africa slipped to 25/3.

The pressure mounted when Mitchell Starc removed Matthew Breetzke for four. Breetzke edged the ball through to Carey, leaving South Africa at 40/4 and Australia firmly in control of the innings.

With wickets falling at the other end, captain Temba Bavuma became the key figure for South Africa. He remained patient, defended well and looked to see off the Australian attack rather than force the pace. Bavuma was unbeaten on 41 off 108 balls at the close, giving the hosts something to build on when play resumes.

Ryan Rickelton provided some support with 31 off 51 deliveries, but Boland struck again to dismiss him with South Africa on 92/5. It was Boland’s fourth wicket of the innings and another setback for the hosts. Wiaan Mulder was unbeaten on two alongside Bavuma when the umpires called stumps.

Boland ended the day with figures of 4/31 from 14 overs, while Starc picked up one wicket. Australia’s bowlers made the most of the conditions and prevented South Africa from putting together a substantial partnership. Josh Hazlewood did not take the field due to illness.

Rain has been a major feature of the Test so far. Only 12.2 overs were possible on the opening day, and further delays restricted play on Monday. South Africa will need Bavuma and Mulder to put together a meaningful partnership when play resumes, while Australia will look to take the remaining five wickets.

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