Rain Delays Start of Second Test Between South Africa and Australia in Gqeberha

PothikTV News Desk: 18 October 2026, 9:18 am

The opening day of the second Test match between South Africa and Australia at St George’s Park in Gqeberha was delayed by rain on Sunday. Australia captain Pat Cummins won the toss and elected to bowl first under damp conditions, opting to unleash a four-man pace attack.

Australia currently hold a 1-0 lead in the series following their victory in the first Test in Durban. Capitalizing on the moist morning pitch, Cummins made the bold tactical call to omit specialist spinner Nathan Lyon and bring in fast bowler Scott Boland alongside Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and himself.

Steve Smith was cleared to play for Australia despite suffering a head knock during the Durban Test. The Australian batting lineup also features Nic Maddinson, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Matt Renshaw, Alex Carey, and Beau Webster.

South Africa made several major changes to their squad in an effort to draw level in the series. Fast bowler Kagiso Rabada returned to the side after recovering from a hamstring injury, while mature-age batter Marques Ackerman was handed his Test debut to open the innings alongside Aiden Markram.

The Proteas also brought Matthew Breetzke into the batting order, with Ryan Rickelton taking over wicketkeeping duties as Kyle Verreyne and Tristan Stubbs were left out. In another key selection decision, off-spinner Simon Harmer was preferred over senior left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj.

Ground staff covered the pitch as drizzle returned just before the scheduled start of play. Match officials scheduled a pitch inspection as both teams waited for conditions to clear in Gqeberha.