Bavuma holds firm as Boland leaves Proteas in trouble

South Africa will resume on 97/5 in the second Test against Australia after captain Temba Bavuma’s resistance prevented further damage on another rain-disrupted day at St George’s Park.

Bavuma finished Monday unbeaten on 41, with Wiaan Mulder on two, as Scott Boland’s accuracy kept Australia in control in Gqeberha, Sport South Africa reports.

Only 29.4 overs were possible on the second day following heavy overnight rain. Resuming on 20/2, the Proteas lost debutant Marques Ackerman for six and Matthew Breetzke for four to slide to 40/4.

Ackerman edged Boland to wicketkeeper Alex Carey before Mitchell Starc removed Breetzke, also caught behind.

Bavuma and Ryan Rickelton steadied the innings with a fifth-wicket partnership of 52. The captain combined disciplined defence with occasional aggression, including a hooked six off Pat Cummins.

Rickelton contributed 31 before Boland found his outside edge late in the session. Matt Renshaw completed a diving, one-handed catch at first slip, ending South Africa’s most productive partnership.

Boland finished with figures of 4/31, having also dismissed Aiden Markram and David Bedingham with successive deliveries on the opening day.

Australia lead the three-match series 1–0 following their 214-run victory in Durban. With much of the first two days lost to rain, South Africa’s immediate task is to extend their innings and give their bowlers a competitive total to defend.

Sources: Sport South Africa and International Cricket Council, 19 October.