Boland strikes twice as rain disrupts Australia in South Africa
Scott Boland took two wickets in two balls before rain halted play on a damp opening day of the second Test between Australia and South Africa in Gqeberha.
Scott Boland repaid the selectors' faith by removing two batters in successive deliveries to put Australia in control on a rain-affected opening day of the second Test against South Africa in Gqeberha.
After Pat Cummins won the toss and deployed a four-pronged pace attack on a damp, green St George’s Park surface, the Proteas reached 20 for 2 as only 12.2 overs were possible due to persistent rain interruptions.
Boland broke through by dismissing opener Aiden Markram with a delivery that nipped back sharply and crashed into the stumps, before trapping David Bedingham caught behind next ball.
Captain Temba Bavuma narrowly survived the hat-trick ball by edging it onto his pad, keeping South Africa from sliding further before bad weather forced an early end to proceedings.
The decision to leave out Nathan Lyon in favour of an all-pace quartet featuring Boland, Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood paid immediate dividends on a pitch that caught Steve Smith off guard with its unexpected moisture.
As Australia chases an unassailable 2-0 series lead and their first victory at the venue since 1997, play is scheduled to resume on day two.