Scott Boland's four-wicket burst left South Africa 97 for five at stumps on the second day of the second Test against Australia at St George's Park, Gqeberha, on Monday, 19 October. Persistent rain restricted play once again, but the Australian quick made the limited time count, finishing with 4/31 as the home side struggled to establish its first innings.

South Africa captain Temba Bavuma was unbeaten on 41 alongside Wiaan Mulder, who had two, when play ended. The contest remains unfinished, with Australia holding the advantage after two rain-affected days.

Boland makes early pressure count

Only 12.2 overs were possible on the opening day. Australia had won the toss and chosen to bowl, and Boland dismissed Aiden Markram and David Bedingham in successive deliveries to leave South Africa 20 for two at the first close.

Further rain delayed the second day's resumption until 3:45pm local time. Boland picked up where he had left off, removing debutant Marques Ackerman for six, before Mitchell Starc had Matthew Breetzke caught behind for four. South Africa were in deep trouble at 40 for four.

Boland's precise seam bowling was the central feature of Australia's attack. His 4/31 from 14 overs left South Africa needing substantial contributions from its remaining batters.

Bavuma and Rickelton resist

With South Africa four down, Temba Bavuma and Ryan Rickelton added 52 for the fifth wicket, briefly slowing Australia's progress. Bavuma concentrated on survival while Rickelton looked for scoring opportunities.

Rickelton made 31 from 51 balls. Having survived a dropped chance, he was eventually dismissed when Matt Renshaw held a sharp one-handed catch in the slips off Scott Boland.

Bavuma continued to battle and closed on 41 not out from 108 deliveries, with Wiaan Mulder unbeaten on two. The hosts reached 97/5 from 43 overs at stumps, still in their first innings.

Australia's pace attack stays on top

Boland was the standout bowler, with Mitchell Starc also taking a wicket. Australia managed to maintain pressure despite Josh Hazlewood being unavailable to bowl on day two because of illness.

The visitors had already won the first Test in Durban by 214 runs, so they arrived at St George's Park with a 1–0 lead in the three-match series. However, South Africa still have five first-innings wickets in hand, and conditions and available time will shape the remaining days.

What to watch on day three

South Africa's immediate task is to build around Bavuma, make use of the remaining batting and try to turn a fragile 97/5 into a more competitive total. Australia will look for early wickets when play resumes on Tuesday, 20 October, after two days of substantial weather disruption.

The match is not complete, and neither side has won this Test. This report reflects the score at stumps on day two, 19 October 2026.

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