Australia vs South Africa LIVE: Starc strikes as Mulder goes out; Hazlewood back but can’t bowl until later

Gqeberha: Scott Boland admits he is racing against advancing years to make as big a mark as possible on Test cricket.

But the evidence suggests that Australia’s oldest fast bowler since Ray Lindwall in 1960 is actually improving with each opportunity, however sporadic, to the point that South Africa offered him the highest possible praise here.

In his first Test for Australia since January, 37-year-old Boland (4-31) has been the major reason why South Africa are again in a world of trouble at 5-97, clinging to hope that captain Temba Bavuma (41 not out) can make something of their wobbly first innings before the recalled Kagiso Rabada lets rip on a drying pitch.

Matt Renshaw’s stunning catch in the final half hour of play, which extended to 30.4 overs despite only beginning at 3.45pm on Monday local time (12.45am Tuesday AEDT), made the day Boland and Australia’s, after which the Indigenous paceman spoke frankly about how he had worked to try to ensure he could hit the ground sprinting whenever the selectors included him.

Australia were doubly grateful for Boland on a day when Josh Hazlewood was absent from the ground with a stomach ailment.

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Gqeberha, South Africa: Scott Boland grabbed two more wickets for Australia and South Africa captain Temba Bavuma survived a second tricky day in the second cricket test at St. George’s Park on Monday.

By the end of day two, South Africa was 5-97, Bavuma was defiantly holding up one end with an unbeaten 41 from 108 balls, and Boland was running through the other end with 4-31 from 14 overs.

Rain then a soggy outfield wiped out the first two sessions — the teams delayed their arrival to the ground — but sunshine helped to restart play and a gritty 30.4 overs came about.

Bavuma and debutant Marques Ackerman resumed in the middle with South Africa 2-20 in 12.2 overs overnight and Ackerman was gone in the day’s third over, nicking Boland behind on 6.

Brilliant sunshine in Gqeberha and Josh Hazlewood is back with the team and fit to bowl.

However he won’t be able to do so for the first session, having been off for the whole of day two with a stomach ailment, which is considered the same as an internal injury per the playing conditions.

Play is set to start at 6.45pm AEDT as the teams attempt to make up for lost time in the first two days.

Here are the adjusted session times in AEDT for day three

1st session: 6.45pm to 9pm
2nd session: 9.40pm to 11.55pm
3rd session: 12.20am to 2.20am

Accu weather says that Gqeberha is forecast to have a zero per cent chance of rain until 1pm local time and there is a 37-40 per cent chance of rain in the last session.

Otherwise, it looks to be nice and sunny.

G’day everyone. It’s Roy Ward here and I’ll be taking you through the action as day three plays out in Gqeberha while Daniel Brettig will be coming to you from the ground as Australia’s bowlers look to bowl out the Proteas.

The first two days have been decimated by rain....it looks like the first two sessions may avoid any downpours, but the forecast says we could still see rain in the last session.

South Africa will resume at 6.45pm AEST as we try to make up for lost time.