Scott Boland continued to torment South Africa on day two of the second Test as he claimed two more wickets to Australia in a commanding position. 

On another rain-hit day at St. George's Park in Gqeberha, Boland finished with figures of 4-31 after dismissing Marques Ackerman (6) and Ryan Rickelton (31) to leave South Africa 97-5.

After the weather washed out the first two sessions of play on Monday, South Africa's innings finally resumed at 20-2, though they quickly saw a third wicket tumble. 

Debutant Ackerman was caught behind by Alex Carey off Boland's delivery, with Matthew Breetzke (4) quickly following suit as Mitchell Starc (1-27) struck. 

The Proteas were reeling at 40-4 when captain Temba Bavuma came to the crease, and it was his partnership with Rickelton that steadied the ship. 

Bavuma and Rickelton shared a 52-run fifth-wicket stand, though the latter was dropped on 26 by Marnus Labuschagne, albeit he would not be spared for a second time. 

Matt Renshaw produced a stunning one-handed catch at first slip to end Rickelton's innings as Boland claimed his fourth wicket, with Bavuma (41 not out) and Wiaan Mulder (2 not out) set to return to the crease on day three.

Stumps On Day 2! All action in the only session of play as stumps are called on Day 2 at Dafabet St George’s Park. #TheProteas end the day on 97/5 after 43 overs. We return tomorrow for Moving Day, with play set to begin at 09:45am. #Unbreakable #SAvAUS https://t.co/YmEX6Dtq8p

— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) October 19, 2026

Boland steps up in Hazelwood's absence

Australia were made to do without Josh Hazlewood, with the bowler absent on day two due to illness, having taken 6-49 in the first Test. 

But Boland produced the magic to put Australia in control, as they aim for the win they need to close out the three-match series.

Boland has now taken 86 wickets across his 20-Test career, with 11 of those coming against South Africa. Only against England (40) and India (26) does he have more in the longest format. 

However, South Africa will hold on to hope of a recovery, especially with Bavuma still at the crease.

He now has 630 Test runs and counting against Australia, more than he has managed against any other nation.