Rain and Scott Boland leave South Africa 20 for 2 on day one of the second Test against Australia in Gqeberha
Australia won the toss and bowled first in the second Test at St George's Park in Gqeberha on Sunday 18 October, according to ESPNcricinfo and the Citizen. Rain delayed the start and South Africa were 11 without loss after 5.3 overs at lunch. Marques Ackerman, on debut, opened with Aiden Markram and took a single off Josh Hazlewood. Scott Boland bowled Markram for 11 in the ninth over and next ball had David Bedingham caught behind for a golden duck. South Africa finished at 20 for 2, with Ackerman on 5 and Temba Bavuma on 4.
Losing two wickets in two balls on a damp pitch puts the home side behind before the first innings is established. Rain also trims the match, which is a danger for a team that needs to win to level the series after a 214-run loss in Durban.
Matches start in the early afternoon in eastern Australia, so check the daily schedule on cricket.com.au. Rain is forecast in Gqeberha for the first two days, so expect short sessions.
Australia's view, carried in previews, is that the pace attack of Hazlewood and Boland is well suited to damp conditions. They lead 1-0 and a draw would be enough to keep the series.
South Africa's side, per TimesLive, hopes the changes of Breetzke, Rickelton and Ackerman give the batting fresh stability. Former player Herschelle Gibbs called for major shake-ups after the heavy loss in Durban.
Confirmed: the toss, the debut, two wickets in the ninth over and 20 for 2 at stumps. Not confirmed: how much play is possible on days two and three. Watch the weather and how Bavuma and Ackerman handle the new ball.
DailyDrop Australia edition No. 15 · Morning · MON., OCT. 19, 2026