Photo via Hindustan Times

South Africa 20-2 against Australia at stumps as rain spoils Day 1 of 2nd Test

South Africa’s second Test against Australia in Gqeberha was reduced to just 12.2 overs on Day 1 after persistent rain disrupted play throughout the day. The hosts, who won the toss and chose to bat, were bowled out for a paltry 20 runs by stumps, with openers Aiden Markram and David Bedingham falling early to Australian fast bowler Scott Boland.

Markram was dismissed for 11, while Bedingham was caught behind off the next ball for a golden duck, leaving the Proteas at 12-2 in 8.5 overs before tea. Debutant Marques Ackerman and skipper Temba Bavuma anchored the tail end, with Ackerman scoring 5 not out and Bavuma 4 not out as play was called off due to worsening weather conditions, leaving little chance of further action on Monday.

Australia, leading the three-match series 1-0 after their 214-run victory in Durban, maintained their top spot in the Test rankings, while South Africa dropped to third behind New Zealand. The match also marked the return of Kagiso Rabada to the South African lineup after recovering from a hamstring injury, while Australia’s Nathan Lyon was omitted in favor of Boland.

The teams now look ahead to the 2027 World Test Championship final, with South Africa defending their current title status.

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