South Africa faced a challenging start on a rain-affected first day of the second Test against Australia, managing only 20-2 in the 12.2 overs that were possible at St George's Park in Gqeberha. Scott Boland emerged as the standout performer, claiming two wickets in consecutive deliveries.

In the ninth over, Boland dismissed Aiden Markram for 11 off an inside edge, followed immediately by the wicket of David Bedingham, who was out for a duck. With South Africa already trailing 1-0 in the three-match series after suffering a 214-run defeat in the first Test, they found themselves at 12-2 after being put into bat.

Despite the early setbacks, debutant Marques Ackerman (5 not out off 32 balls) and captain Temba Bavuma (4 not out off 13) managed to see their team through to the premature stumps without further losses.

Rain played a significant role in the day’s proceedings, delaying the start by two hours and leading to an early lunch after just 5.3 overs. Ultimately, the day was abandoned at 4:15 PM local time due to persistent downpours.

Australia made one change from the first Test, with Boland replacing off-spinner Nathan Lyon, who was left out for the first time since 2013. South Africa made three changes, bringing in Keshav Maharaj, Matthew Breetzke, and Kagiso Rabada to replace Kyle Verreynne, Tristan Stubbs, and the injured players.