South Africa stuttered to 20-2 in the 12.2 overs possible on a rain-hit day one of the second Test against Australia in Gqeberha, as Scott Boland struck twice in as many balls.
Boland, selected as Australia left out off-spinner Nathan Lyon and went in with a four-pronged pace attack, bowled Aiden Markram (11) off an inside edge in the ninth over. He then removed David Bedingham (0) with a nick off his next delivery.
South Africa trail 1-0 in the three-match series after a 214-run defeat in the opening game at Durban. They were 12-2 at that stage after being put into bat, but reached the premature stumps without further losses as debutant Marques Ackerman (5 not out off 32 balls) and captain Temba Bavuma (4 not out off 13) battled.
Rain disrupts day one at St George’s Park
Rain delayed the start of play by around two hours. It returned to bring an early lunch after just 5.3 overs, and another downpour led to the day being abandoned at 4.15pm local time at St George’s Park.
Boland’s return for Lyon was Australia’s only change from the first match. The Baggy Greens left out their premier spinner from a red-ball Test in which he was fit to play for the first time since 2013.
Boland finished with figures of 2-5 from 3.2 overs.
South Africa make three changes
South Africa made three alterations. Left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj, wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne and batter Tristan Stubbs were axed. Batters Ackerman and Matthew Breetzke came in, along with fit-again paceman Kagiso Rabada.
Ryan Rickelton took the wicketkeeping gloves in Verreynne’s absence and dropped down from his opening position to No 6. Ackerman partnered Markram at the top of the order.
Ackerman, 30, was opening in a first-class match for the first time and dug in on a seam-friendly wicket.
Day two of the second Test between South Africa and Australia begins at 8am on Monday.