SA vs AUS 2nd Test: Match start delayed due to rain as Australia opt to bowl

South Africa vs Australia 2nd Test live: South Africa seek series revival after Matt Renshaw’s Durban masterclass

South Africa enter the second Test against Australia knowing that a defeat would leave them with little room to recover in the series. The hosts were beaten by 214 runs in Durban, where Matt Renshaw delivered scores of 190 and 82 to help Australia take a 1-0 lead.
Aiden Markram’s second-innings 75 was the only other score above 50 in the opening match, highlighting South Africa’s need for greater consistency with the bat.
Kagiso Rabada’s return provides a boost to the bowling attack, while captain Temba Bavuma has confirmed three changes to the team.
Australia, meanwhile, have made just one alteration, bringing in Scott Boland for Nathan Lyon. With rain threatening the opening days, both sides face a contest in which conditions and batting discipline could prove decisive.

13:13 (IST) Oct 18

South Africa vs Australia 2nd Test live: Rain threat looms over South Africa-Australia second Test in Gqeberha

Rain could play a major role in the second Test between South Africa and Australia at St George’s Park, with the forecast pointing to a 55% chance of precipitation on Sunday and an 80% chance on Monday.
The weather could influence team balance at a venue traditionally associated with offering opportunities for spin. However, Australia have opted for Scott Boland in place of Nathan Lyon, with Pat Cummins citing the cloud cover and the prospect of seam movement.
South Africa have also made three changes, including the return of Kagiso Rabada from a hamstring injury.
Australia lead the series 1-0 after winning the first Test by 214 runs. With the hosts needing a victory to level the contest, any loss of playing time could add another complication to their bid for a comeback.

13:13 (IST) Oct 18

South Africa vs Australia 2nd Test live: Scott Boland replaces Nathan Lyon as Australia make one change

Australia have brought Scott Boland into their playing XI for the second Test against South Africa, leaving out Nathan Lyon for the contest at St George’s Park.
Pat Cummins explained that the decision was based on the conditions, with cloud cover and the possibility of seam movement influencing the visitors’ approach. The Australia captain highlighted Boland’s ability to extract movement from the surface while maintaining control.
Australia head into the match with a 1-0 series lead after a commanding 214-run victory in Durban. Matt Renshaw was the standout performer in the opening Test, scoring 190 and 82.
With rain also forecast during the early part of the Gqeberha Test, Australia will hope their pace-heavy combination can make the most of any assistance available from the conditions.

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13:12 (IST) Oct 18

South Africa vs Australia 2nd Test live: Kagiso Rabada returns as South Africa make three changes for second Test

South Africa have made three changes to their playing XI for the second Test against Australia, with Kagiso Rabada returning after missing the series opener due to a hamstring injury.
The fast bowler’s return is a significant boost for the hosts following their 214-run defeat in Durban. Marques Ackerman and Matthew Breetzke also feature in the XI as South Africa look to improve their performance with the series on the line.
Temba Bavuma said the team had been undecided before finalising its combination, with conditions playing an important role in the selection process.
South Africa will need a stronger showing from their batting unit after struggling in the first Test, where Aiden Markram’s second-innings 75 was the only score above 50 apart from Matt Renshaw’s two major contributions for Australia.

13:12 (IST) Oct 18

South Africa vs Australia 2nd Test live: Australia win toss, opt to bowl against South Africa in second Test

Australia captain Pat Cummins won the toss and elected to field in the second Test against South Africa at St George’s Park in Gqeberha. Cummins cited the cloud cover and the prospect of seam movement as key factors behind the decision.
Australia lead the series 1-0 after winning the Durban Test by 214 runs. The visitors have made one change, with Scott Boland replacing Nathan Lyon.
South Africa, meanwhile, have made three changes as they look to bounce back and keep the series alive. Captain Temba Bavuma admitted that the selection decision had required some deliberation, adding that his team would need to be watchful during the morning session.

South Africa vs Australia 2nd Test live: South Africa face a crucial challenge against Australia in the second Test at St George’s Park in Gqeberha after losing the series opener in Durban by 214 runs. With Australia leading 1-0, the hosts need a response to keep the series alive, while the visitors will look to maintain their advantage in the five-day contest from October 18 to 22, 2026.

Australia captain Pat Cummins won the toss and elected to field, pointing to the cloud cover and the possibility of seam movement. The visitors have made one change to their playing XI, bringing in Scott Boland for Nathan Lyon. Cummins believes Boland’s ability to exploit movement off the pitch and provide control makes him a suitable option for the conditions.

South Africa have made three changes, with Kagiso Rabada returning after recovering from a hamstring injury. Captain Temba Bavuma admitted the selection decision had required deliberation, adding that the team would need to be watchful during a potentially difficult morning session.

The South African XI also features Marques Ackerman and Matthew Breetzke, while the hosts will rely on Aiden Markram and Bavuma to provide stability at the top. Ryan Rickelton takes the wicketkeeping role, with Marco Jansen and Wiaan Mulder offering all-round options.

The opening Test in Durban exposed South Africa’s batting struggles, as Matt Renshaw scored 190 and 82 to lead Australia’s charge. Markram’s second-innings 75 was the only other score above 50 in the match. The Gqeberha surface is expected to offer opportunities for batters to build substantial innings, although it could play slightly slower.

Weather remains a major concern. Forecasts indicate a 55% chance of rain on Sunday, increasing to 80% on Monday, potentially affecting playing time and the balance between pace and spin.

The second Test is scheduled to run until October 22, with play beginning at 10am local time (8am GMT, 1.30pm IST). South Africa will seek to level the series, while Australia aim to strengthen their position.