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Boland takes four as South Africa close rain-hit second day on 97-5

Arun Desai
Arun Desai
Cricket Correspondent
12:30 AM
CRICKET
Boland takes four as South Africa close rain-hit second day on 97-5
Scott Boland claimed 4-31 as South Africa ended day two of the second Test on 97-5. Temba Bavuma remained unbeaten on 41 after another rain-disrupted day in Gqeberha.

Scott Boland took four wickets as South Africa closed a rain-disrupted second day of the second Test against Australia on 97-5 in Gqeberha on Monday. Temba Bavuma was unbeaten on 41, with Australia still waiting to begin their first innings. BBC Sport's Matthew Henry reported that Boland finished the day with figures of 4-31 after adding two wickets to his opening-day haul.

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Rain had threatened to prevent significant play, but Boland struck within seven deliveries of resuming his work. Debutant Marques Ackerman edged behind to wicketkeeper Alex Carey after being drawn forward. Ackerman had defended for 38 balls before his dismissal, which gave Boland the 85th wicket of his Test career. The Australian seamer was playing his 20th Test.

South Africa had made two changes to their batting following defeat in the first Test. Ackerman was opening against the red ball for the first time in his career, while Matthew Breetzke had been selected after his performances in white-ball cricket. Breetzke managed four from 17 deliveries before falling to Mitchell Starc while attempting a shot through the covers off the back foot.

The reshuffle also moved Ryan Rickelton from opener to number six and gave him wicketkeeping duties. He faced a testing spell of short bowling from Pat Cummins and was dropped by Marnus Labuschagne on 26. Boland eventually removed him, drawing an edge that Matt Renshaw gathered with his right hand low down at first slip. That dismissal left Bavuma carrying much of South Africa's remaining batting responsibility.

Boland had been brought into Australia's side in place of spinner Nathan Lyon. Another member of the touring attack, Josh Hazlewood, stayed at the team hotel because of illness, according to the BBC report. Boland's accuracy helped sustain the pressure: 63% of his 84 deliveries in the innings were recorded as being on a good line and length.

Three days remained in the match, with the weather expected to improve. South Africa still had five first-innings wickets available, but their immediate task was to build on Bavuma's resistance before asking their bowlers to respond. Australia had not yet faced a ball, leaving the hosts' eventual total and the tourists' reply unresolved despite the visitors' strong position.

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