South Africa vs Australia: Hosts' batting issues exposed again as Scott Boland takes four
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By Matthew Henry
BBC Sport Journalist
Published 19 October 2026, 17:50 BST
Updated 9 minutes ago
Second Test, Gqeberha (day two of five)
South Africa 97-5: Bavuma 41; Boland 4-31
Australia: Yet to bat
Scorecard
For much of Monday, rain denied meaningful play, but when play did resume, it was South Africa's top-order frailties that were exposed once more in Gqeberha. With the hosts 97-5 at the close, the balance of power in the series remains firmly with Australia.
Scott Boland, selected ahead of spinner Nathan Lyon, was implacable in his line and length, taking 4-31 from just seven overs. He dismissed debutant Marques Ackerman (38) and Ryan Rickelton (26) with the new ball, while the metronomic Mitchell Starc also took two wickets.
Ackerman, one of two batting changes from the first Test defeat, was caught behind trying to defend, while Rickelton, promoted to number six and wicketkeeper, was caught at slip having been hit on the body and dropped on 26.
Boland's attack, which found the perfect length to drag Ackerman forward and nick him behind, underlined the issues South Africa face. The other new face, Matthew Breetzke, made just four from 17 before being dismissed by Starc.