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Australia vs South Africa 2nd Test Day 2 Highlights and Live Updates from Gqeberha

The second Test between South Africa and Australia is underway at St George's Park, Gqeberha. Australia leads the three-match series 1-0 after a commanding 214-run victory in Durban. South Africa aims to even the series with a win here.

Toss and Match Officials

  • Toss Result: Australia won the toss and elected to field first.
  • Venue: St George's Park, Gqeberha
  • Captains: Temba Bavuma (South Africa), Pat Cummins (Australia)
  • Umpires: Chris Gaffaney and Richard Illingworth (on-field), Richard Kettleborough (third umpire), Arno Jacobs (reserve umpire)
  • Match Referee: Javagal Srinath

Day 1 Summary

Rain heavily impacted play on the first day, forcing an early close with South Africa at 20 for 2 after 11.5 overs. Scott Boland impressed with a quick double-wicket burst in the ninth over, dismissing both Aiden Markram and David Bedingham on successive balls. But persistent rain stopped further action.

Day 2 Progress

The morning session was also disrupted by steady rain at 12:27 PM, prompting an early lunch break at 12:37 PM. Debutant Marques Ackerman shared a touching moment waving to his family as he left the field. The South African openers showed resilience against Australia's new ball attack, which struggled for consistency and swing on a slow pitch.

By 1:00 PM, conditions cleared up, allowing play to resume promptly after ground staff removed covers and umpires re-stumped the pitch.

Team Lineups

  • South Africa XI: Aiden Markram, Marques Ackerman, David Bedingham, Temba Bavuma (c), Matthew Breetzke, Wiaan Mulder, Ryan Rickelton (wk), Marco Jansen, Simon Harmer, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje
  • Australia XI: Travis Head, Nic Maddinson, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Matthew Renshaw, Alex Carey (wk), Beau Webster, Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland, Josh Hazlewood

Team Changes and Notes

  • South Africa: Tristan Stubbs dropped; Matthew Breetzke added. Kagiso Rabada returns after hamstring injury. Ryan Rickelton takes over wicketkeeping duties.
  • Australia: Squad remains mostly unchanged from the Durban win. Steve Smith cleared concussion protocols. Cameron Green ruled out due to abdominal strain. Josh Inglis returns after finger fracture. Nathan Lyon rested; Scott Boland included.

Win Probability

  • Australia: 39%
  • South Africa: 42%
  • Draw: 19%

Series Schedule

  • 1st Test: Oct 9-13, Kingsmead, Durban, 1:00 p.m. IST
  • 2nd Test: Oct 18-22, St George's Park, Gqeberha, 1:30 p.m. IST
  • 3rd Test: Oct 27-31, Newlands, Cape Town, 1:00 p.m. IST

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