South Africa 20-2 at stumps after rain disrupts day one of second Test in Gqeberha

South Africa were 20 for 2 at stumps against Australia on the rain-hit opening day of the second Test at St. George's Park in Gqeberha on October 18, 2026. Only 12.2 overs were possible as persistent rain curtailed play.

Australia won the toss and elected to bowl, but the morning session was almost entirely lost and play began only after a near two-hour delay. South Africa's openers had reached 11 without loss in 5.3 overs by lunch before the interruptions.

Pacer Scott Boland claimed two quick wickets after the restart, bowling Aiden Markram for 11 in the ninth over and having David Bedingham caught behind for a golden duck the next ball, leaving the hosts 12 for 2 in 8.5 overs.

Tea was taken when rain returned shortly afterwards and there was no further play on the day, with the threat of more rain on Monday (October 19) preventing any late play.

Marques Ackerman, on Test debut, was 5 not out and captain Temba Bavuma 4 not out at the close. Matthew Breetzke was included in the side to bolster the batting lineup and Ryan Rickelton will keep wicket and bat in the middle order.

South Africa made three changes from the first Test with pacer Kagiso Rabada returning after recovering from a hamstring injury, while Kyle Verreynne, Tristan Stubbs and left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj were left out. Australia made one change, Nathan Lyon being omitted in favour of Scott Boland.

Australia won the first Test in Durban by 214 runs and leads the three-match series 1-0; South Africa are the current world Test champions, both sides have an eye on the 2027 final, and Australia maintained top position in the standings while the Proteas slipped to third behind New Zealand in second.