Scott Boland continued to trouble South Africa’s batters, claiming four wickets for 31 runs as Australia tightened their grip on the second Test at St George’s Park on Monday. The hosts were reduced to 97 for five at stumps on Day 2, still trailing Australia’s push for a series-clinching victory after their 214-run defeat in the opening Test in Durban.
Captain Temba Bavuma remained unbeaten on 41, with Wiaan Mulder on two at the close, as South Africa looked to limit the damage when play resumes on Tuesday.
SA vs AUS 2nd Test Day 2: Scorecard
BOLAND LEADS AUSTRALIA’S ATTACK
Rain threatened to wipe out the day’s play, but action eventually began at 3:45 pm local time, with only 30.4 overs possible. Boland wasted little time making an impact, adding to the two wickets he claimed during Sunday’s brief session.
The Australian pacer struck in the third over of the day, inducing an edge from debutant opener Marques Ackerman, who was caught behind for six. South Africa’s problems deepened when Matthew Breetzke, brought into the side after the first Test defeat, fell for four.
Mitchell Starc dismissed Breetzke, with the left-arm quick drawing an edge as the batter played away from his body. Wicketkeeper Alex Carey completed the catch, leaving South Africa in deep trouble at 40 for four.
BAVUMA FIGHTS, RICKELTON FALLS
With the top order in tatters, Bavuma and Ryan Rickelton attempted to rebuild the innings. The pair added 52 runs for the fifth wicket, offering the hosts some relief after Australia’s early strikes.
Rickelton was handed a reprieve on 26 when Marnus Labuschagne dropped a chance at leg slip off Australia captain Pat Cummins. However, the batter could not make the most of the lifeline, adding only five more runs before Boland struck again.
Matt Renshaw produced a superb one-handed catch at first slip to send Rickelton back, giving Boland his fourth wicket of the innings and ending South Africa’s most substantial partnership of the day.
Bavuma continued to resist, reaching stumps unbeaten on 41. His innings will be central to South Africa’s hopes of mounting a recovery, with the hosts having lost half their side before reaching 100.
Australia were without Josh Hazlewood, who missed the match with an upset stomach after taking a career-best six for 49 in the first Test.
AUSTRALIA CLOSE IN ON SERIES WIN
The delayed start meant only 30.4 overs were bowled on Monday, but Australia made effective use of the limited time to put South Africa under pressure. With the visitors already leading the three-match series 1-0, another strong day could bring them closer to sealing the contest.
No further rain is forecast for the remainder of the Test, and extra time will be added to all three sessions on Tuesday to make up for the lost overs.
South Africa will need a determined effort from Bavuma and the remaining batters to prevent Australia from taking further control. With five wickets down and Boland in excellent form, the hosts face a challenging task to keep the visitors at bay.
– Ends
