Boland 4-31 leaves South Africa 97-5 at stumps in Gqeberha Test

Scott Boland claimed four wickets for 31 runs as Australia tightened their grip on the second Test at St George's Park in Gqeberha on Monday. South Africa were 97 for five at stumps, still trailing after their 214-run defeat in the opening Test in Durban.

Rain threatened to wipe out the day's play, but action began at 3:45 pm local time and only 30.4 overs were possible on Monday. Boland had already taken two wickets during Sunday's brief session before adding further damage in the resumed play.

Boland struck in the third over of the day, inducing an edge from debutant opener Marques Ackerman, who was caught behind for six. The early wicket removed a new face at the top of the order and set the tone for Australia's bowling spell.

Matthew Breetzke, brought into the side after the first Test defeat, fell for four when Mitchell Starc drew an edge and Alex Carey completed the catch. Those dismissals left South Africa in deep trouble at 40 for four.

Temba Bavuma and Ryan Rickelton attempted to steady the innings, adding 52 runs for the fifth wicket. Rickelton was reprieved on 26 when Marnus Labuschagne dropped a chance at leg slip off Australia captain Pat Cummins, but he managed only five further runs before Matt Renshaw took a superb one-handed catch at first slip to end the partnership and remove Rickelton.

Bavuma remained unbeaten on 41 with Wiaan Mulder on two at the close, the hosts having lost half their side before reaching 100. Australia were without Josh Hazlewood, who missed the match with an upset stomach after taking a career-best six for 49 in the first Test, and the visitors made effective use of the limited time to put South Africa under pressure.

No further rain is forecast for the remainder of the Test and extra time will be added to all three sessions on Tuesday to make up for the lost overs. With five wickets down and Boland in excellent form, the hosts face a challenging task; South Africa will need a determined effort from Bavuma and the remaining batters to prevent Australia from taking further control when play resumes.