Rain limits play as Boland strikes twice in second Test

Australia won the toss and chose to bowl in the second Test against South Africa at St George’s Park in Gqeberha on October 18, as rain restricted the opening day to 12.2 overs. South Africa ended the day at 20 for 2 after Scott Boland took two wickets in successive deliveries. Persistent rain and wet ground conditions delayed the start by nearly two hours and interrupted play repeatedly. Only 74 deliveries were bowled before officials abandoned the day. South Africa had reached 12 for 2 when Boland’s brief spell removed Aiden Markram and David Bedingham, leaving the hosts with little time to rebuild before the weather stopped play again. Markram was bowled after Boland’s delivery moved back into him. On the next ball, David Bedingham edged to wicketkeeper Alex Carey and was out for a duck. Boland had an opportunity for a hat-trick when Temba Bavuma faced the following delivery, but Bavuma survived. He was unbeaten on four at the close, alongside debutant Marques Ackerman on five. Ackerman, opening the innings in his first Test, took 15 deliveries to score his first run. He and Bavuma will resume South Africa’s innings when play continues. Ackerman was one of several changes...