South Africa vs Australia LIVE Score, 2nd Test Day 5 LIVE Updates

8.57 am GMT - This is no longer a case of drizzle. Big drops of rain are clearly visible now, and we could be in for a lengthy delay. Getting any cricket in before Lunch would feel like a bonus at this stage. The skies are at their gloomiest so far today, and the mood around the ground is hardly brighter. Australia won't be too unhappy with this turn of events, but South Africa will be desperately hoping for the weather to clear, with their eyes fixed on the heavens. Rain has a long, rather painful history with the Proteas, and it has rarely been the kind of relationship they would want to revisit

Game stopped due to : Rain Stoppage

8.50 am GMT - Oh, not again! The drizzle has returned, and the covers are coming back on. Just when there was hope of getting some meaningful cricket underway, the weather has dealt another frustrating blow. The wait goes on, the patience is wearing thin, and the revised schedule could soon need another revision. More covers are being brought on as we type. It's a disappointing sight, with the prospect of lost time becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.

Revised playing conditions for Day 5 - A total of 87 overs are scheduled for today, with the first session running from 9 am to 10.30 am GMT. The second session will begin at 11.10 am and continue until 1.30 pm GMT, while the final session is scheduled from 1.50 pm to 3.45 pm GMT. After repeated weather interruptions, there is plenty of cricket to fit in, provided the conditions remain favourable.

8.36 am GMT - (Another glimmer of hope) - Here we go again! The drizzle has stopped, the covers are coming off and the sun is shining once more. Play is scheduled to resume at 9 am GMT, with Lunch due at 10.30 am GMT. The weather has kept us guessing all morning, but hopefully this latest window of sunshine sticks around long enough for some cricket.

Plenty to keep you busy! A little rain here, but there's no shortage of cricket elsewhere! India are in New Zealand for the first T20I of their five-match series, Namibia take on Ireland in the opening ODI of their five-match series, and Sri Lanka face England in Match 3 of the ODI Tri-Series in Pakistan. Switch tabs to follow all the action, but don't wander too far. Keep an eye on this space for updates from Gqeberha!

8.20 am GMT - Oh, come on! It seems Australia have sent a friend request to the rain gods, and the drizzle has accepted! The covers are back on, and the bright sunshine has given way to gloomy skies. You can scratch that resumption time for now and get comfortable with the waiting game again. Just when we thought cricket was about to return, the weather had other plans.

8.06 am GMT - We've got an update from the officials! The covers are being cleared and the playing area is being prepared for action. The session is scheduled to get underway at 8.25 am GMT. After all the weather-related uncertainty, there's finally a time to look forward to.

8 am GMT - Sunshine brings hope...here we go again! The sun is shining brightly, and there's a strong breeze blowing across the ground. The groundsmen are pulling the heavy logs off the covers, offering another encouraging sign that we could be edging closer to play. The weather has kept everyone on their toes, but perhaps the wait is finally nearing its end.

A quick chat with Jansen - The towering Marco Jansen says South Africa's plan was to keep Australia under pressure and pick up as many wickets as possible. He feels it was one of those days when everything fell into place, allowing the hosts to stay on top throughout. Reacting to Dale Steyn's tweet calling him the best cricketer in the world at present, Jansen says the two share a good friendship. While such praise naturally brings its own pressure, he admits it is special to hear such words from a legend of the game. Jansen also speaks about the confidence he draws from having KG Rabada at the other end, adding that Rabada's intent and energy inspire him to raise his own game. Looking ahead, Jansen expects the conditions to offer some nip and seam movement. He also reckons Simon Harmer could find turn, while the uneven grass on the surface may provide some extra bounce.

7.48 am GMT - (The weather plays tease) - Ah, spoke too soon! The groundsmen are back at the covers, placing the heavy logs on them as the drizzle returns. The skies remain bright, though, and there's quite a breeze blowing across the ground. No real need for umbrellas just yet, so this appears to be a precautionary measure rather than a sign of worsening conditions. The weather is keeping everyone guessing, but fingers crossed the wait won't be much longer.

7.40 am GMT - The covers are coming off! The forecast called for a spell of drizzle followed by brighter conditions, and that is playing out as expected, informs Mark Nicholas. The covers are now coming off, bringing some much-needed cheer for the home spectators. These are encouraging signs, with hopes of getting the day's play underway gathering momentum.

7.35 am GMT - The sun is trying to peek through the clouds, offering a hint of encouragement, but the drizzle still seems to be there. The umpires are near the covers, having a discussion with one of the ground staff as everyone waits for an improvement in conditions. A delayed start looks increasingly likely, though, so we'll keep an eye on the skies and bring you the latest.

7.20 am GMT - (A damp start looms) - Oops, a spot of drizzle greets us on the ground! The covers are on the playing area, although the rain is light enough for the players to continue with their warm-up drills. Steve Smith is out there too, which is an encouraging sign for Australia. For now, there is no word on a delay, but we'll have to wait and see if the action gets underway on time. Stay tuned for further updates.

Did you know? Australia have been forced to follow on for the first time since January 2019, when India enforced it against them at the SCG. On that occasion, it was also the first time since 1988 that Australia had been asked to follow on at home. A grim reminder!

Rain or reign? Who will the weather gods favour? This Test has already seen plenty of rain interruptions, yet we still have a gripping contest on our hands! South Africa need six more wickets to level the three-match series at 1-1, while Australia must produce a lionhearted rearguard effort to keep the hosts at bay. The visitors would not mind the rain gods chipping in with an assist, either, as they look to salvage a draw! The exact forecast is still awaited, however, we have heard that a few clouds have parked themselves in Gqeberha this morning. For now, the big question is whether the weather will play spoiler or let the cricket do the talking.

Knocks and shocks - Steve Smith's troublesome neck and Anrich Nortje's groin injury have become unexpected talking points in this Test. While South Africa may not feel Nortje's absence too keenly just yet, Australia's concerns are far greater. They desperately need Smith out in the middle if they are to harbour any realistic hopes of salvaging this match. For the hosts, Nortje's absence could become a bigger headache if Australia manage to mount a fightback and force the frontline seamers into a long, tiring spell. Just when the Test seemed to have enough twists and turns, these untimely injuries have thrown another spanner into the works!

The final act awaits! And here we are, Day 5! There is something special about a Test that goes the distance, with the final chapter still unwritten and everything to play for. Missed the action on Day 4? A quick scroll down will bring you right back into the thick of things. And here's a curious little twist - Travis Head and Scott Boland were at the crease when yesterday began, and the very same pair will resume proceedings this morning! Coincidence? Absolutely, and we do love a good one in cricket! Now, can we brace ourselves for a grandstand finish? The stage is set, but the tourists cannot afford a sleepy start. A couple of early blows, and this innings could come tumbling down in a hurry. Buckle up, folks, the fifth day is here!

...DAY 5...

Set up for a grandstand finish - What works in Australia's favour is that the ball is already 54 overs old, and with very little action on Days 1 and 2, there hasn't been much foot traffic on the surface. As a result, the indentations may not be as pronounced as they usually are on a Day 5 pitch. A lot will also depend on Steve Smith's availability, with the Australian batter nursing a sore neck. South Africa's attack, meanwhile, will have had a good night's rest and will be raring to go on Day 5, backing themselves to get the job done. It's all set up for a fascinating finish, with play scheduled to begin at 7.45 am GMT. We look forward to having your company then. Cheers!