By Kevin Rademeyer, Sports Journalist.
Live from St Georges Park: South Africa face an important day at St George’s Park after rain and two wickets from Scott Boland left them on 20 for two on the opening day of the second Test against Australia.
Only 12.2 overs were possible on Sunday, with Aiden Markram and David Bedingham dismissed in consecutive deliveries by Boland before the weather brought play to a premature close. The hosts are already under pressure after losing the first Test in Durban by 214 runs and need a substantial recovery to keep the series alive.
The weather remains a major concern, with further rain forecast after a day in which repeated interruptions prevented either side from building momentum. Although lost overs can be made up over the remaining days, the limited time available places added importance on every session.
South Africa’s immediate task is to stabilise their innings. Markram was bowled by a delivery that moved back into him, while Bedingham edged behind while playing away from his body.
Both dismissals highlighted the difficulties posed by Australia’s seam attack, particularly Boland, whose accuracy and ability to find movement made him a decisive selection.
Debutant Marques Ackerman and captain Temba Bavuma were at the crease when the latest rain interruption ended play. Ackerman, who had not previously opened in first class cricket, had to negotiate a testing introduction before getting off the mark.
South Africa have also reshaped their batting line up following the Durban defeat. Matthew Breetzke came into the side, while Ryan Rickelton moved into the middle order and took over the wicketkeeping duties. The changes are intended to provide a different balance after the Proteas struggled to build substantial partnerships in the first Test.
With Markram and Bedingham already dismissed, the responsibility falls on the remaining batters to show greater patience and resilience against an Australian attack that has repeatedly exposed weaknesses in the South African line up.
Kagiso Rabada’s return is the major positive for South Africa. The fast bowler missed the Durban Test with a hamstring injury but has recovered in time to rejoin the attack.
His presence could make a considerable difference to a bowling unit that struggled to finish off Australia in the opening match. Rabada brings pace, movement and experience, as well as the ability to create pressure at crucial moments.
South Africa have also been forced to consider their bowling balance. Keshav Maharaj was left out for this Test, while Simon Harmer retained his place as the specialist spinner. The decision reflects a desire to strengthen the pace attack after Australia’s batters handled the two spinners effectively in Durban.
Rabada’s return does not remove the pressure on the rest of the attack, however. South Africa need sustained contributions from their quicks and greater consistency from the fielding unit if they are to prevent Australia from taking control again.
Australia’s decision to omit Nathan Lyon in favour of Scott Boland has added another dimension to the contest.
Lyon has been left out of three of Australia’s last eight Tests in which he was available, raising questions about his role as the team weighs conditions against the value of a specialist spinner. Boland’s immediate success in Gqeberha strengthened the case for the decision, although the impact of the selection will become clearer as the match progresses.
Australia captain Pat Cummins pointed to the conditions and Boland’s outstanding record as reasons for the change. The visitors have enough pace options to field four frontline fast bowlers, while part time spin is available from several players.
The decision remains significant because St George’s Park is traditionally regarded as one of South Africa’s slower Test venues. However, the grassy surface and weather affected start have so far favoured the seamers.
For South Africa, the priority is clear. They must first rebuild their innings and then make their own pace attack count when the opportunity comes. With the series at stake and rain threatening to reduce playing time, the Proteas have little room for another extended period of lost control.