Rain holds up second Test after Boland strikes in brief break

Rain has stalled the second Test between South Africa and Australia in Gqeberha before a ball could be bowled on day two.

Morning rain on 19 October ruled out both a planned early start and a normal on-time start at Dafabet St George's Park, with no play expected for the first couple of hours, according to The Guardian. The delay followed a wash-hit opening day when only 12.2 overs — each over is six balls — were possible.

South Africa closed that shortened day one on 20 for two. That means 20 runs scored for the loss of two batters. Play was later abandoned for rain after those early blows. Australia had chosen to field first.

Scott Boland did the damage in the brief window for play. He took two wickets in two balls, striking with successive deliveries to leave the hosts wobbling, as reported by Fox Sports. Australia backed him in an all-pace attack in Gqeberha, leaving out veteran spinner Nathan Lyon, according to Cricket.com.au. No Australian player spoke to the media after that truncated day.

Australia lead the three-match series 1-0 after a 214-run win in the first Test in Durban, played from 9 to 13 October at Kingsmead Stadium, according to the ICC. The second Test is scheduled for 18 to 22 October in Gqeberha, with the third set for 27 to 31 October in Cape Town. The Gqeberha Test had a listed 10am local start, which is 7pm AEDT for viewers in Australia.

South Africa welcomed back fast bowler Kagiso Rabada, declared fit after a hamstring tear to face Australia. This is Test cricket, the long form of the game played over up to five days with each side usually batting twice. Matthew Breetzke also came into South Africa’s squad thinking, replacing Tristan Stubbs.

The forecast for later on day two was better. Loss of the morning session had been anticipated on 18 October.

For fans, this means patience for now. Time lost to weather can still be made up across five days, but every quiet session puts more pressure on the days that remain.