Rain threatened to wash out much of day two of the second Test between South Africa and Australia in Gqeberha, but the hosts' top order was exposed once again. At the close, South Africa were 97-5, with Temba Bavuma unbeaten on 41, and the balance of the series remains firmly with Australia.
Scott Boland, the 37-year-old metronome, took 4-31 and needed only seven deliveries to dismiss debutant Marques Ackerman, who was opening the batting in red-ball cricket for the first time in his career. Ackerman stumbled forward and was caught behind by wicketkeeper Alex Carey, becoming Boland's 85th Test victim. Matthew Breetzke, brought in on the back of his white-ball form, made just four before pushing loosely at Mitchell Starc and was dismissed. Ryan Rickelton, moved to number six and wicketkeeper, survived a dropped chance on 26 and was struck by Pat Cummins' bouncers before edging Boland, only for Matt Renshaw to take a fine catch at first slip.
Boland's Test bowling average now stands at 18.08, the best rate for any bowler since the First World War. Of his 84 deliveries in the innings, 63% were on a good line and length, while 24% of those would have hit the stumps. His form has ensured Australia have not missed Nathan Lyon or Josh Hazlewood, who was ill and stayed at the team hotel. Ollie Robinson, who bowls a similar style, will be watching closely ahead of England's tour of South Africa.
With the weather improving, South Africa have three days to turn the series around. Much will depend on Bavuma and Kagiso Rabada, who took 11-150 in the same match in 2018. The hosts may need a similar performance, because their batting does not currently look up to the task.
Source: BBC Sport · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing