Rain and Boland hound South Africa in Gqeberha
South Africa struggled to 20 for 2 after only 12.2 overs of play on the rain-affected opening day of the second Test against Australia. Scott Boland took two wickets in two balls, removing Aiden Markram and David Bedingham in quick succession. Persistent rain caused a 90-minute delay to the start and forced an early lunch after the first 5.3 overs. Australia captain Pat Cummins opted to bowl first after winning the toss, benefiting from a tactical decision to replace Nathan Lyon with Boland.
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- ✓ South Africa reached 20 for 2 after 12.2 overs of play on the first day.
- ✓ Scott Boland took two wickets in two balls, dismissing Aiden Markram and David Bedingham.
- ✓ Rain delayed the start of play by 90 minutes.
- ✓ Pat Cummins won the toss and chose to bowl first.
What changed
Scott Boland took two wickets in two balls to leave South Africa at 20 for 2 in a rain-ruined opening day.
Live updates
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Scott Boland strikes twice as rain disrupts second Test in Gqeberha
South Africa struggled to 20 for 2 after only 12.2 overs of play on the rain-affected opening day of the second Test against Australia. Scott Boland took two wickets in two balls, removing Aiden Markram and David Bedingham in quick succession. Persistent rain caused a 90-minute delay to the start and forced an early lunch after the first 5.3 overs. Australia captain Pat Cummins opted to bowl first after winning the toss, benefiting from a tactical decision to replace Nathan Lyon with Boland.
Why it matters
This match is the second Test of the series between Australia and South Africa. The selection of Boland over specialist spinner Nathan Lyon was a significant tactical gamble by the Australian leadership. Heavy weather in Gqeberha has severely limited the amount of cricket possible.
What is confirmed
- South Africa reached 20 for 2 after 12.2 overs of play on the first day.
- Scott Boland took two wickets in two balls, dismissing Aiden Markram and David Bedingham.
- Rain delayed the start of play by 90 minutes.
- Pat Cummins won the toss and chose to bowl first.
- The match is the second Test between Australia and South Africa in Gqeberha.
- Only 12.2 overs of play were possible on day one.
Still unconfirmed
- Temba Bavuma almost cost Boland a hat trick by inside-edging the ball onto his pads.
- Marques Ackerman is making his debut for South Africa.
What to watch next
- Weather forecasts for day two to determine if play can resume
- South Africa's batting response to the early loss of two wickets
- Further impact of the decision to exclude Nathan Lyon from the XI
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (12)
- Cricinfo — Rain and Boland hound South Africa in Gqeberha
- The Guardian — Australia’s Boland damages South Africa in brief respite from rain
- Sky Sports — South Africa stutter on rain-wrecked day against Australia in second Test as Scott Boland takes two wickets in two balls
- Yahoo Sports — 'Absolute cinema': Pat Cummins' huge gamble of axing Nathan Lyon pays off as Scott Boland lights up Gqeberha with two early wickets
- cricket.com.au — As it happened: Boland gets hot before rain ruins day
- crickettechnique.com — Rain and Boland hound South Africa in Gqeberha - Cricket ...
- cricket.gjam.in — Rain and Boland hound South Africa in Gqeberha
- www.cricketmazza.com — Boland puts South Africa on the back foot on rain-hit day in ...
- www.youtube.com — Scott Boland Double-Strike Leaves South Africa 20/2 on Rain ...
- sporty.com — Boland troubles South Africa on rain-hit opening day in Gqeberha
- novanews.co.za — Boland strikes twice as rain washes out Gqeberha test
- theherald.co.za — Rain Rules Day 1 as Boland Double-Strike Stuns Proteas in ...
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