Australia moved into a commanding position during the second Test against South Africa at St George’s Park on Monday, largely due to a dominant spell from Scott Boland. The seamer finished the day with impressive figures of 4-31 as the hosts reached 97-5 by the close of play. Captain Temba Bavuma remained at the crease for the home side, holding firm on 41 not out.
Significant rainfall caused a major disruption, with over 60mm falling overnight and into the morning hours. Consequently, play did not commence until six hours past the originally scheduled start time. Although conditions were expected to favor batting once the sun emerged and the outfield dried, Boland’s persistent accuracy kept the world Test champions under constant pressure.
Boland, included in an all-pace bowling attack, struck early in his second over of the day after only five runs were added to the overnight total of 20-2.
He dismissed Marques Ackerman, who was caught behind by Alex Carey for six after edging a delivery that seamed away. Later, Mitchell Starc added to the pressure by removing Matthew Breetzke for four, with Carey recording his third catch of the innings. With the left-hander edging a ball bowled from around the wicket which seamed away off the pitch, new cap Marques Ackerman was caught behind by wicketkeeper Alex Carey for six.
South Africa attempted a brief recovery as Ryan Rickelton and Bavuma combined for a 52-run partnership. However, just before the close, Boland returned to break the stand, drawing a sensational one-handed catch at first slip from Matt Renshaw to dismiss Rickelton for 31.
Fast bowler Josh Hazlewood missed the day’s play due to illness but is expected to be available for Tuesday. This second Test in Gqeberha follows Australia’s 214-run victory in the series opener in Durban, marking their first tour of the country since the 2018 sandpaper incident. Australia, who are touring South Africa for the first time since the 2018 sandpaper scandal, won by 214 runs and can wrap up the three-match series when the second Test gets under way in Gqeberha on Sunday. “A Test match of this quality deserved greater support in the stands.
Meanwhile, the low turnout during the first Test has prompted official concern. Despite the stature of both teams, fewer than 20,000 spectators attended across the five days in Durban. KwaZulu-Natal Cricket Union chief executive Heinrich Strydom expressed his disappointment, calling the attendance figures impossible to overlook.
Strydom noted that a formal internal review will be conducted to address the situation. He emphasized that the union must reconnect with its communities and listen to supporters to ensure Test cricket remains accessible and engaging. He concluded that the format is a vital part of the nation’s sporting heritage and its future is a shared responsibility. This is something we will reflect on through a thorough internal review.
