Boland highlights South Africa’s weaknesses, offers Robinson a guide
Rain threatened to wash out day two of the second Test between South Africa and Australia in Gqeberha, but when play resumed the hosts’ top‑order problems were laid bare. South Africa stumbled to 97 for 5 at stumps, leaving the series firmly in Australia’s favour.
Australia’s swing bowler Scott Boland, playing his first Test after being called up in place of spinner Nathan Lyon, struck quickly. Within seven balls of his spell he claimed his second wicket of the match, trapping debutant Marques Ackerman on a length that forced a nick to wicket‑keeper Alex Carey. Ackerman, who was opening in Test cricket for the first time, managed a defensive 38‑ball effort before falling as Boland’s 85th victim in a 20‑Test career. Boland finished the day with figures of four for 31, reinforcing his case for a regular spot.
The other new face in the South African line‑up, Matthew Breetzke, earned his place after strong white‑ball performances and the disappointment of Tristan Stubbs in the first Test. Breetzke made little impact, scoring four from 17 balls before being bowled by Mitchell Starc while trying to drive through the covers.
Ryan Rickelton, another white‑ball specialist, was shifted from opening to the middle order and took on wicket‑keeping duties. After a top‑edge pull in the previous match, he was targeted by Pat Cummins’ short deliveries late on day two. Having already been struck on the body and dropped on 26 by Marnus Labuschagne, Rickelton edged a tentative push outside off stump to Boland’s catching arm.
Matt Renshaw, batting at the other end, offered a brief reprieve when he managed a right‑handed edge to first slip, but the ball was scooped up before it could reach the ground.
Boland’s accuracy has been striking. Of his 84 deliveries in the innings, 63 percent landed on a good line and length, and about a quarter of those would have hit the stumps. His test bowling average now stands at 18.08, a rate not seen since the First World War. By contrast, Mitchell Starc has struggled with line and length, delivering only 29 percent of his balls in the optimal zones.
Boland’s performance has kept Australia from needing the services of Nathan Lyon or the ill‑fated Josh Hazlewood, who spent the day in the team hotel. His success may also catch the eye of England pacer Ollie Robinson as he prepares for the upcoming tour of South Africa.
With the weather expected to improve, South Africa have three days left to turn the tide. The onus will be on captain Temba Bavuma, who remains unbeaten on 41, and fast bowler Kagiso Rabada, who recorded match figures of 11 for 150 on this ground in 2018 when South Africa secured a series‑leveling win. At present, the Proteas’ batting appears below the standard required for a Test victory.