Boland strikes again as rain leaves South Africa 97 for 5 in Gqeberha

Scott Boland ripped through South Africa again as rain squeezed the life out of the second Test in Gqeberha.

The hosts closed day two on 19 October on 97 for 5 at St George's Park, with Boland holding figures of 4 for 31. Captain Temba Bavuma was unbeaten on 41 from 108 balls, standing almost alone against a relentless Australian seam attack The Guardian.

Rain and a wet outfield wiped out most of the day. Play did not start until 3.45pm, six hours after the planned start. Only a half-day's cricket was possible.

It followed a washout opening day. Just 12.2 overs were bowled on 18 October, yet Boland still made them count with two wickets in his second over Cricinfo. South Africa finished that shortened day on 20 for 2, with Aiden Markram and David Bedingham both dismissed by Boland.

Day two started badly and got worse. Debutant Marques Ackerman went for 6, caught behind — gloved through to the wicketkeeper — off Boland. Matthew Breetzke followed for 4, nicking Mitchell Starc. At 40 for 4, South Africa were in deep trouble.

Then came resistance. Ryan Rickelton and Bavuma added fifty together and briefly steadied the innings. Rickelton made 31 before Boland struck once more, drawing an edge snaffled by Matt Renshaw at first slip, the catching position just behind the batter.

Bavuma refused to budge. He batted for more than 100 balls for his 41 not out, playing late and soft-handed while wickets fell around him. It was patient, watchful Test cricket — the five-day format where survival matters as much as scoring.

Australia were without Josh Hazlewood for the brief play, the fast bowler missing with illness. Boland needed no help. His fourth wicket late in the evening session underlined his control on a stop-start day.

The context favours the visitors. Australia won the first Test in Durban by 214 runs, after a match played from 9 to 13 October ICC. This second Test is scheduled for 18 to 22 October in Gqeberha, with the third to follow from 27 to 31 October in Cape Town. The series forms part of the ICC World Test Championship.

For fans, this means time is now the other opponent. Two rain-hit days have left the game far behind the usual pace. South Africa need runs from Bavuma and the lower order. Australia need a dry spell and a few more balls like Boland's best.