SA vs. AUS 2nd Test: Boland’s four-wicket haul leaves South Africa on Day 2

Scott Boland continued to trouble South Africa’s batsmen, claiming four wickets for 31 runs as Australia tightened up in 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 quest for a series win 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 end, as South Africa sought 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 spoil today’s play, but the action finally got under way at 3:45pm local time, with only 30.4 overs possible. Boland wasted little time in making an impact, adding to the two goals he scored during Sunday’s short session.

The Australian pacer struck in the third over of the day, inducing a lead from debutant Marques Ackerman, who was caught for six. South Africa’s problems were compounded when Matthew Breetzke, brought into the side after the first Test defeat, fell for four.

Mitchell Starc dismissed Breetzke, taking a quick edge with his left arm as the bat played away from his body. Wicketkeeper Alex Carey completed the catch to leave South Africa in deep trouble at 40 for four.

BAVUMA FIGHTS, RICKELTON FALLY

With the top order in shambles, Bavuma and Ryan Rickelton tried to rebuild the innings. The pair added 52 runs for the fifth wicket, offering the hosts some relief after Australia’s early batting.

Rickelton was given a reprieve in the 26th over when Marnus Labuschagne dropped a chance at leg slip to Australia captain Pat Cummins. However, the batsman failed to make the most of the lifeline and added just five more runs before Boland struck again.

Matt Renshaw produced a superb one-handed catch at first slip to send Rickelton back to give Boland his fourth wicket of the innings and end the most crucial partnership of the day with South Africa.

Bavuma continued to defy, reaching stumps unbeaten on 41. His innings will be crucial to South Africa’s recovery hopes as the hosts lost half their team before reaching 100.

Australia were without Josh Hazlewood, who missed the match with a stomach upset after hitting a career-best six for 49 in the first Test.

AUSTRALIA CLOSE TO WINNING THE SERIES

A delayed start meant just 30.4 overs on Monday, but Australia used the limited time effectively 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 match.

No further rain is forecast for the rest of the Test and extra time will be added to all three sessions on Tuesday to make up for lost overs.

South Africa will need a determined effort from Bavuma and the rest of the batting to prevent Australia from taking further control. With five wickets down and Boland in excellent form, the hosts face an uphill task to keep the visitors at bay.

– The end