Rain delays start of day two of second South Africa v Australia Test in Gqeberha, with reports differing on when play resumed

Summary

Rain and a wet outfield delayed the start of day two of the second men's Test between South Africa and Australia at St George's Park in Gqeberha. The Guardian's live coverage reports that the covers came off, umpires discussed an inspection, and the covers then went back on, and its headline gives South Africa at 97-5 at the close, with Temba Bavuma unbeaten on 41 after Australia took three wickets in an extended evening session. ABC's live coverage describes a rain-shortened day two and reports that a lengthy rain delay kept the teams off the pitch until the final session, after which Scott Boland struck early as play got underway. The two reports differ on timing, and the articles do not establish which account is current.

Timeline

1. ABC

   19 Oct 2026, 07:14 UTCSource ↗

   ABC reports that after a lengthy rain delay kept the teams off the pitch until the final session of the day, Scott Boland struck early as play got underway on day two of the second Test at St George's Park in Gqeberha.

2. The Guardian

   19 Oct 2026, 16:17 UTCSource ↗

   The Guardian reports that rain and a wet outfield delayed the start of day two of the second men's Test in Gqeberha, with the covers coming off, umpires discussing an inspection, and the covers then going back on.