Brief

Scott Boland's double wicket sparks brief action in rain‑hit Test

Boland's back‑to‑back dismissals gave Australia a short surge before rain ended play.

By Felo News Desk · Published Mon, 19 Oct 2026 01:02:41 GMT

Australia pacer Scott Boland took two wickets in consecutive deliveries on the opening day of the second Test between South Africa and Australia at St George’s Park in Gqeberha, before rain forced the match to be abandoned after 12.2 overs.

What happened

South Africa won the toss and were asked to bat first. Rain arrived ten minutes after the toss, delaying the start by two hours. The hosts managed 11 runs without loss in 5.3 overs before the first rain interruption. When play resumed, Boland entered as first change and removed Aiden Markram and David Bedingham in successive balls, leaving South Africa 20 for two. A further rain spell later in the afternoon ended the day’s play, with the hosts at 20 for two.

What the reports add

News18 noted that the match was limited to just 12.2 overs because of persistent rain and that the ground conditions were described as green‑tinged and overcast, prompting Australia to field an all‑seam attack in place of off‑spinner Nathan Lyon. The outlet also highlighted that Boland was playing his 20th Test, having previously taken six for seven against England in Melbourne in December 2021.

What was said

Australia captain Pat Cummins had earlier backed Boland’s ability to exploit the conditions, praising his accuracy, seam movement and experience, according to the report.

How it came about

Boland’s inclusion came as part of Australia’s strategy to use seam bowling on a green‑tinged surface. His earlier breakthrough performance against England in 2021 earned him a place in the side, though opportunities have been limited by the presence of Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood.

Key facts

• Scott Boland dismissed Aiden Markram and David Bedingham in consecutive deliveries. (news18.com)
• Rain limited the first day to 12.2 overs and the match was abandoned with South Africa 20 for two. (news18.com)
• Boland was playing his 20th Test for Australia. (news18.com)
• Australia chose an all‑seam attack, omitting off‑spinner Nathan Lyon. (news18.com)

Sources

• [1] news18.com — originally reported as “Scott Boland's Near-Hat-Trick The Only Highlight On Rain-Marred Day In Gqeberha”