South Africa vs Australia, 2nd Test, Day 3: Live Score and Updates from Gqeberha

SA vs AUS, 2nd Test, Day 3 Live Score and Updates: Temba Bavuma will look to score some crucial runs for the Proteas and help his team post a challenging first-innings total against Australia.

SA vs AUS, 2nd Test Day 3 Live Updates. Courtesy: AFP

Hello and welcome to the live coverage of Day 3 in the 2nd Test between South Africa and Australia in Gqeberha.

48.4: Pat Cummins to Wiaan Mulder, 1 run, played towards mid on.

48.3: Pat Cummins to Wiaan Mulder, Digs it in short, sharp and quick, on middle. Mulder hurriedly ducks under it.

48.2: Pat Cummins to Temba Bavuma, Bowled on a short of a good length, on off. Bavuma gets on top of the bounce and knocks it to the left of mid off for a single.

48.1: Pat Cummins to Temba Bavuma, A tight leave! Hands on head for Pat Cummins. Around the fiftth stump, on a good length. Bavuma shoulders arms.

47.6: Scott Boland to Wiaan Mulder, Back to bowling it on the fuller side, in that channel. Mulder leans across before making the leave by tucking the bat behind the front pad.

47.5: Scott Boland to Wiaan Mulder, Around off, on a back of a length. Mulder defends it from the crease.

47.4: Scott Boland to Wiaan Mulder, Keeps it on a hard length, on off. Mulder rises on his toes and fends it down towards point.

47.3: Scott Boland to Wiaan Mulder, Into the wicket, over off and middle. Mulder takes on the short ball but does not quite get hold of it. Shovels it away to the left of deep fine leg for a brace.

47.2: Scott Boland to Wiaan Mulder, This nips back a bit, around off, on a length. Mulder presses half-forward to stab it down.

47.1: Scott Boland to Wiaan Mulder, Goes past the bat! Nibbling away off the seam, just outside the off stump, on a good length. Mulder leans forward to defend but is beaten past the outside edge.

46.6: Pat Cummins to Temba Bavuma, On a back of a length, on middle. Temba nudges it to mid-wicket.

46.5: Pat Cummins to Temba Bavuma, Good change-up by Cummins. Serves the bumper and angles it towards the batter's helmet. Bavuma hops and gets his hands high to roll his wrists over the ball for the pull. The ball climbs onto him and he ends up bailing out of the shot and ducks under it.

46.4: Pat Cummins to Temba Bavuma, Pushes the length up, outside off, trying to eke out the drive. Bavuma is not interested in playing at that.

46.3: Pat Cummins to Temba Bavuma, At 139 kph, on the shorter side, on off. Temba blocks it out watchfully off the back foot.

46.2: Pat Cummins to Wiaan Mulder, Cutting back in off a nagging length, on off and middle. Mulder hangs back to deal with it. Ekes out an inside edge and a single is taken as the ball dribbles to deep square leg.

46.1: Pat Cummins to Wiaan Mulder, A play and a miss! At 136 kph, full and just outside off. Mulder is drawn into the drive and the ball straightens off the seam to whistle past the bat.

45.6: Scott Boland to Wiaan Mulder, A little too straight, on the pads. Wiaan clips it through square leg and retains the strike with a single.

45.5: Scott Boland to Temba Bavuma, This is on a hard length, on middle. Bavuma rides the bounce and nurdles it behind square leg for a run.

45.4: Scott Boland to Temba Bavuma, Honing in on the off stump, Bavuma is solid in defense.

45.3: Scott Boland to Temba Bavuma, A bit more effort behind this ball, in and around the off pole. Bavuma presses half-forward for the block but the ball kicks up a bit and nips back to catch the inside edge. It eventually pops up off the front pad but drops harmlessly in front of the batter.

45.2: Scott Boland to Temba Bavuma, Around off, hitting the good length. Bavuma lunges across and dabs it to point.

45.1: Scott Boland to Temba Bavuma, Slanting into the pads, on a length. Bavuma pushes it to mid on.

44.6: Pat Cummins to Wiaan Mulder, Straightening off the deck, on a good length, outside off. Mulder shuffles to get behind the line and does well not to go chasing the ball. Ends up defending down the wrong line and is beaten past the outside edge.

44.5: Pat Cummins to Wiaan Mulder, Banged in short, on off. Mulder stands tall and swivels for the pull. He does not quite get the timing right but gets it through the vacant mid-wicket region for a couple of runs.

44.4: Pat Cummins to Wiaan Mulder, Full and slightly wide, inviting the drive. Mulder is happy to let it go.

44.3: Pat Cummins to Wiaan Mulder, FOUR! The 100 comes up for South Africa. Bowled by going wide on the crease, angled in on a good length, on off and middle. Mulder shuffles and brings his bat out in front of the front pad to block. He presents a straight back but the ball nips back to catch the inside edge and races down to deep fine leg. Scott Boland sprints and slides to his right but cannot prevent the boundary.

44.2: Pat Cummins to Wiaan Mulder, Brings the line closer to the off pole. Wiaan offers no shot.

44.1: Pat Cummins to Wiaan Mulder, Serves it a bit fuller, not close enough to make the batter play. Mulder shoulders arms.

Pat Cummins will operate from the other end. He is starting with three slips and a gully.Shaun Pollock informs us that he had a word with the umpires, and they told him that Josh Hazlewood will be allowed to bowl only after two hours.

43.6: Scott Boland to Temba Bavuma, A maiden to start with. Hits the good length, keeps it in that channel. Bavuma hides the bat behind the front pad and lets the ball go through to the keeper.

43.5: Scott Boland to Temba Bavuma, In the corridor of uncertainty, full in length. Temba covers the off stump and makes the leave.

43.4: Scott Boland to Temba Bavuma, At 137 kph, fuller and on middle. Bavuma's bat turns in his hand as he plays the drive to mid on.

43.3: Scott Boland to Temba Bavuma, Brings the stumps into play as he drags the length back. Bavuma stabs it down the deck.

43.2: Scott Boland to Temba Bavuma, Stays full, around off. Bavuma gets a good stride in and plays a punchy drive to cover.

43.1: Scott Boland to Temba Bavuma, Starts full, a hint of a nibble, outside off. Temba lunges and tucks the bat behind the front pad to let the ball pass.

St George’s Park is looking an absolute picture, and we are all set to get going.Josh Hazlewood is present in the Aussie huddle, which is good news, but it is likely that he will have to serve the time he was off the field yesterday before he is allowed to bowl.Scott Boland will get things underway with the ball. Temba Bavuma to face the first ball of the day. Two slips and two men at gully await. Here we go!

PITCH REPORT-Mark Nicholas is pitchside with Shaun Pollock for a look at the surface. Mark notes that the pitch was much greener when play began on Day 1, and Shaun agrees that it has browned off. Pollock further adds that there is a little bit of scarring, but nothing significant, and the surface hasn't changed dramatically.Shaun mentions that the roller has been used, which should help flatten things out, and it looks like a good pitch for batting.Believes that the southeasterly wind could offer the bowlers some assistance with swing.

A quick word with Scott Boland -Scott says he spent most of yesterday at the hotel before getting the all-clear to play. Knowing there were only around 30 overs available, he was pleased to pick up a couple of wickets in that time. He adds that changing ends required a little adjustment, but he was able to settle in.When asked how it feels to be picked in the XI, Boland admits that the excitement starts to build and the nerves begin to kick in as well. Shares that he had an inkling a day before that he could be playing this game.His preparation remains the same, regardless of whether he is certain to play or not and tries to make the most of every training session.

Let’s hear from the debutant -Natalie Germanos has caught up with Marques Ackerman. Marques describes making his debut as an unbelievable feeling, made even more special by having his family there to witness the occasion. He is grateful for all the messages he has received and says growing up in a sporting family has been an awesome experience. He adds that his wife's family knew very little about cricket when they first met, so seeing them now so invested in the game feels special.On working with Ashwell Prince, Ackerman says it is good to be reunited with Prince, having worked with him previously in 2019. Shares that Ashwell has encouraged him to play his natural game and has been clear about how he wants his batters to go about their business.Ackerman also speaks about his association with Shukri Conrad, who worked with him from a young age and understands him as a player. He describes the current environment within the South African team as incredible, adding that everyone has been welcoming and has made him feel at home.

Session timings for Day 3 -To make up for the lost time, we will have extended sessions throughout the day. 1st session - 7.45 am to 10 am GMT | 2nd session - 10.40 am to 12.55 pm GMT | 3rd session - 1.15 pm to 3.15 pm GMT.98 overs are scheduled to be bowled, with an extra half hour available to complete them, light and weather permitting.

South Africa’s hour of reckoning -With the sun out and blue skies overhead, it is a glorious morning for batting. Five down isn’t where the Proteas wanted to be, but if they can see off the first hour, with the ball already 43 overs old and softening, they could still build a competitive total. It is all set up for an intriguing day, so hop on board and enjoy the ride.

Australia hold the edge -Only 43 overs have been bowled out of the stipulated 180 in the two days so far, and based on where the game stands, Australia look the more likely of the two sides to force a result.South Africa are in a tough spot at the moment and will have to dig deep against an Aussie pace attack that could be bolstered by the potential return of Josh Hazlewood, who did not take the field yesterday due to a stomach bug.

The worst is behind us -That seems to be the case, in terms of the weather, after two rain-affected days. The forecast is for largely clear weather for the remainder of the Test. On that note, hello and welcome from a sunny St George’s Park for Day 3, where we are going to have an early start at 7.45 am GMT.

A make-or-break day for the hosts -With South Africa already 1-0 down in the series and under immense pressure early in the second game, a lot will depend on how they fight back on Day 3 of this Test match. Temba Bavuma will try and do everything possible to take his side anywhere close to the 200-run mark, but he can't do it all alone.Australia will have Josh Hazlewood back tomorrow, which will add another bowling threat to their arsenal, and overall, it is set up to be a fascinating day with conditions expected to be bright and sunny. Day 3 will begin at 7.45 am GMT, but you can tune in a lot sooner to our build-up. Cheers!

The relentless Scott Boland -A real feature of Scott Boland's rather late-blooming and fairly short Test career has been his ability to rise to the occasion whenever called upon. He took two wickets on Day 1 and got the ball rolling on Day 2 again by dismissing the debutant Ackerman. Mitchell Starc also got a wicket, but for a fair while, there wasn't any success for the Aussies, and it looked like the hosts would take something back at Stumps. However, Boland broke a budding stand really late on, handing all the momentum back to his side.

Bavuma - steady as a rock -The South African skipper came into bat in a precarious position on Day 1, and when play resumed late on Day 2, he knew that he needed to ensure that he stayed at the crease come Day 3, and that's what he's done. However, others around him haven't quite managed to rise to the challenge. Marques Ackerman fell early, and then Matthew Breetzke came in and got out soon after. Ryan Rickelton did show positive signs and got into the 30s but got out at a very delicate time, leaving the Proteas with plenty to do come Day 3 with just 97 runs on the board and 5 wickets down.

4.13 pm GMT - STUMPS, DAY 2 -Well, we had a stop-start first Day in Gqeberha, but Day 2 turned out to be even more frustrating. However, it wasn't stop-start, and we could get 30.4 overs of continuous play towards the latter half of the day. Those 30-odd overs were definitely dominated by Australia, Scott Boland in particular, and the visitors are now in a position of promise with hardly any rain forecast for the remaining three days.

42.6: Mitchell Starc to Wiaan Mulder, Starc serves a bumper, but it is not close enough to trouble the batter. Mulder drops his wrists and sways away from the line of the ball. That will be Stumps on Day 2.

42.5: Mitchell Starc to Wiaan Mulder, Switches to around the wicket with a leg slip in place. Very full, around off. Mulder plays a confident drive but picks out the man at mid off.

42.4: Mitchell Starc to Wiaan Mulder, A tempter by Starc, full and wider on off. Wiaan is not interested in playing at it.

42.3: Mitchell Starc to Wiaan Mulder, Beaten! At 143.3 kph, a full ball leaving the right-hander. Mulder has a slight feel for the delivery and is lucky not to nick it behind.

42.2: Mitchell Starc to Temba Bavuma, A bit into the deck, on off. Bavuma gets on top of the bounce and drops it in the vacant cover region to pick up a single.

42.1: Mitchell Starc to Temba Bavuma, Starc begins the final over of the day from over the wicket. This is pushed across the right-hander. Bavuma is happy to let it go.

41.6: Scott Boland to Wiaan Mulder, Slightly fuller, outside off. Mulder leans across and goes hard on the drive. The ball seams back a bit to catch the inner half and Mulder mishits it back to the bowler. That's Boland done for the day. Another top spell by the Victorian.

41.5: Scott Boland to Wiaan Mulder, A man goes back on the pull but Boland dishes it out on a length, attacking the front pad. Mulder brings his bat out in front and defends it out.

41.4: Scott Boland to Wiaan Mulder, On a back of a length, around off. Mulder taps it in front of cover-point and looks for a single, but there is none as two fielders attack the ball.

41.3: Scott Boland to Wiaan Mulder, Hits the good length, nipping back in a touch. Wiaan stabs it down off the back foot.

41.2: Scott Boland to Temba Bavuma, At 136.4 kph, fuller and on the off pole. Bavuma is a bit tentative to get forward. Squeezes out an inside edge onto the pads. A single is taken as the ball rolls to point.

41.1: Scott Boland to Temba Bavuma, Delivers it on a good length, in the channel. Bavuma covers the off stump to make the leave.

40.6: Mitchell Starc to Wiaan Mulder, A tight second run but they make it. Starc strays on the pads, on a length. Wiaan clips it behind square leg and calls for two straight away. Scott Boland swoops in and is quick to get rid of the ball. Mulder puts the skates on and gets home safely before the throw arrives.

40.5: Mitchell Starc to Wiaan Mulder, Goes past the bat! The length is pulled back, just outside off. Mulder presses up on his toes and ends up playing inside the line as the ball leaves him with the angle.

40.4: Mitchell Starc to Wiaan Mulder, Going away with the angle, on a good length. Mulder is slightly squared up in his defense but manages to keep it out.

40.3: Mitchell Starc to Wiaan Mulder, Goes full now, around off. Mulder blocks it out by leaning forward.

40.2: Mitchell Starc to Wiaan Mulder, Keeps the stumps in play, a bit fuller. Mulder solidly defends it out.

40.1: Mitchell Starc to Temba Bavuma, Starc digs it in short, over middle. Bavuma fends it down from the crease in front of square on the leg side. Temba takes the first run hard to keep the possibility of a second alive but Travis Head gets to the ball quickly from mid on and keeps the batters down to one.

39.6: Scott Boland to Wiaan Mulder, More than half an appeal for LBW, but it is turned down. Fuller now and straighter too, darted into the legs. Mulder is late on the flick and gets struck on the outside half of the front pad. That seemed to be missing leg stump.

39.5: Scott Boland to Wiaan Mulder, Wow, Boland is just so meticulous in his approach. Just short of a good length, getting the ball to seam away with some extra bounce after angling it in. Wiaan Mulder looks to block but the ball zips past the outside edge.

Marnus Labuschagne will be a relieved man. Down to the all-rounders now. Here's Wiaan Mulder in at number 7.

39.4: Scott Boland to Ryan Rickelton, OUT! EDGED AND TAKEN! How's he managed to do that? Matt Renshaw pulls off a miraculous catch, and Australia get a huge breakthrough with minutes left to play on Day 2. Scott Boland is the gift that just keeps giving and he now has a four-fer to his name. On a good length, in that corridor of uncertainty and Ryan Rickelton has another late poke at the ball after hanging back in the crease.Rickelton gets an outside edge that goes down to the right of first slip and Renshaw just sticks out a right hand, snaffling it a fair few inches behind him. An absolute speccy, and everyone is stunned by it.

39.3: Scott Boland to Ryan Rickelton, Good length, in and around the top of off stump.Rickelton blocks it from his crease.

39.2: Scott Boland to Ryan Rickelton, Slightly fuller and on off, blocked off by Rickelton.

39.1: Scott Boland to Ryan Rickelton, Beats the outside edge right away. Nagging length, a bit wide of the off stump.Rickelton stays back and moves to the off side, deciding late to play a cut shot and gets beaten on the outside edge.

With 4 overs left in the day,Scott Boland is back with a change of ends. 12-4-30-3 so far for Boland.

38.6: Mitchell Starc to Temba Bavuma, Well defended. Short-pitched delivery, angled in towards the ribs. Temba Bavuma gets right behind the line, and keeps it down on the leg side with soft hands.

38.5: Mitchell Starc to Temba Bavuma, Almost yorker length from Starc, a shade under 140 kph and around off. Bavuma leans on and jams it out to extra cover.

38.4: Mitchell Starc to Temba Bavuma, Bowled with an upright seam, in that channel outside off. Bavuma shoulders arms yet again.

38.3: Mitchell Starc to Temba Bavuma, Pitched up very full and on the fourth-stump line, going straight on. Bavuma makes an assured leave.

38.2: Mitchell Starc to Temba Bavuma, Full of a good length, in and around off, Bavuma watchfully defends.

38.1: Mitchell Starc to Temba Bavuma, A full ball, dished out wide of the off stump. Temba Bavuma looks to square drive but squeezes it off the outside edge toward gully.

Mitchell Starc is back on, replacing Scott Boland.

37.6: Pat Cummins to Ryan Rickelton, FOUR! Lovely shot. The 50-run stand comes up between these two batters. Angled away, on a back of a length. Rickelton stands tall on top of the bounce and punches it through covers for his 5th boundary.

37.5: Pat Cummins to Temba Bavuma, A late call but they make it. Attacking the sticks, on a fuller length. Bavuma drops it in front of mid on and completes a single as Beau Webster is caught on his heels there.

37.4: Pat Cummins to Ryan Rickelton, On a back of a length, around leg. Rickelton tucks it wide of mid-wicket and crosses over.

37.3: Pat Cummins to Ryan Rickelton, DROPPED!The plan nearly comes off for Cummins and Australia. With a leg slip in place, Cummins angles it into the ribs on a hard length. Rickelton looks to tickle it fine, but the ball flies off the face of the blade towards Marnus Labuschagne, stationed perfectly for that shot. With shadows stretching across the ground, Labuschagne is standing in the sunlight as the ball comes out of the shade.It rushes Labuschagne and arrives around chest height. He goes for the catch with his fingers pointing downwards rather than upwards, and cannot hold on. A big chance goes begging!

37.2: Pat Cummins to Ryan Rickelton, Drags the length back, on off. Rickelton gets on top of the bounce and punches it to point.

37.1: Pat Cummins to Ryan Rickelton, Angled in at the off stump, on a length. Rickelton gets forward to ease it towards mid off.

36.6: Scott Boland to Temba Bavuma, This is fuller, outside off. Bavuma lunges ahead and tucks the bat behind his front pad to make the leave.

36.5: Scott Boland to Ryan Rickelton, Nibbling away a touch, on a back of a length. Rickelton knocks it in front of mid off and gets to the other end.

36.4: Scott Boland to Ryan Rickelton, Hits the top of off, does Boland. Ryan pats it down the strip.

36.3: Scott Boland to Ryan Rickelton, FOUR! Edged away! Angled in at the off stump and stays on a good length. Rickelton does well not to push at the ball with hard hands. He looks to keep it out with soft hands. The ball straightens ever so slightly to take the outside edge and goes through the slip cordon for a boundary.

36.2: Scott Boland to Ryan Rickelton, Around the off stump, on a good length. Rickelton stabs it down watchfully.

36.1: Scott Boland to Ryan Rickelton, Attacking the sticks, on a length. Rickelton blocks it out with a straight bat.

35.6: Pat Cummins to Temba Bavuma, Fuller in length, honing in on the off stump. Bavuma defends it right under his eyes and close to his body.

35.5: Pat Cummins to Temba Bavuma, Just outside off, on a good length, that is left alone for the keeper to collect.

35.4: Pat Cummins to Temba Bavuma, SIX! Not in complete control, but Temba Bavuma will take it. Cummins serves a bumper angled into the left shoulder. Bavuma swivels and hooks it away with the angle. Gets more of a top edge, and it sails well over the long leg fence.The ball clears the stadium perimeter and rolls along the road outside before a security guard retrieves it.

35.3: Pat Cummins to Temba Bavuma, In the channel, on a good length. Bavuma offers no shot.

35.2: Pat Cummins to Ryan Rickelton, Banged into the deck around the ribs. Rickelton rises with the bounce and tucks it down towards fine leg for a single.

35.1: Pat Cummins to Temba Bavuma, Drop and run! On a back of a length, on off. Bavuma stands tall on top of the bounce and drops it wide of cover before hurrying to the other end.

34.6: Scott Boland to Ryan Rickelton, Lands it on a good length, outside off. Ryan shoulders arms.

34.5: Scott Boland to Ryan Rickelton, Off the edge. From around the wicket, fuller in length, on off. Rickelton pushes out in front of his body. It squirts off the outside edge behind point for a couple of runs.

34.4: Scott Boland to Ryan Rickelton, Boland bends his back and digs it in short, over middle. Rickelton rises up on his toes and drops it down the deck.

34.3: Scott Boland to Ryan Rickelton, A hint of jag back in off the seam, on a nagging length. Rickelton is solid in defense.

34.2: Scott Boland to Ryan Rickelton, Hits the good length, on middle. Ryan knocks it towards mid on.

34.1: Scott Boland to Ryan Rickelton, FOUR! Fine shot. Not all that short, but Boland errs in line as he offers width. Rickelton takes a step back in the crease and gets on top of the bounce. Plays the cut into the ground, and it races behind point for a boundary.

33.6: Pat Cummins to Temba Bavuma, Around off, bashed into the wicket. Bavuma rides the bounce and taps it towards cover.

33.5: Pat Cummins to Ryan Rickelton, What happened there? Good change-up by Cummins as he bangs it into the deck. Rickelton hops inside the line, expecting the ball to go down leg. He holds his bat high to let the ball pass but he does not move towards the off side enough and cops a blow on the chest. A leg bye is taken as the ball goes square on the leg side.

33.4: Pat Cummins to Ryan Rickelton, Keeps it around the off stump. Ryan covers the line and dabs it down on the off side.

33.3: Pat Cummins to Ryan Rickelton, Good cricket all around! Cummins pitches it up, on off. Rickelton presses forward and hangs low to play a punchy drive. Marnus Labuschagne dives to his right at mid off and cuts it off, saving a certain boundary.

33.2: Pat Cummins to Ryan Rickelton, Angled away from the left-hander, bowled on a length. Rickelton lets it be.

33.1: Pat Cummins to Ryan Rickelton, Serves a bumper at 140.6 kph, on middle. Rickelton ducks under it.

32.6: Beau Webster to Temba Bavuma, Wider on off, on a nagging length. An easy leave for Bavuma.

32.5: Beau Webster to Temba Bavuma, A little bit of nibble away, on a good length, around off. Bavuma defends it with soft hands. The movement off the seam results in an outside edge but it goes down and dribbles towards the slip cordon.

32.4: Beau Webster to Temba Bavuma, Alex Carey comes up to the stumps for Temba Bavuma. The length is pulled back by Beau, on off and middle. Temba gets behind the line to defend.

32.3: Beau Webster to Ryan Rickelton, Had to hurry! Webster floats it up there, on off. Rickelton pushes it to the left of mid off and sets off for a quick single. Pat Cummins moves to his left, picks the ball up and has a shy at the bowling end but misses. It would not have mattered, as Ryan was in anyway. First run scored off the bowling of Webster.

32.2: Beau Webster to Ryan Rickelton, Makes the batter play this time, does Webster. On a good length in line with the off pole. Ryan taps it down the deck.

32.1: Beau Webster to Ryan Rickelton, Pushed across the left-hander, on a good length. Rickelton covers the off stump and shoulders arms.

31.6: Pat Cummins to Temba Bavuma, Hits the hard length, on off. Temba hangs back and stabs it down.

31.5: Pat Cummins to Temba Bavuma, Tentative from Bavuma! Angled in on a length, around the off stump. Bavuma has a prod at the ball and ekes out an inside edge onto the pads.

31.4: Pat Cummins to Temba Bavuma, The length is pushed up at 142.4 kph, on the off stump. Temba drops it with soft hands in front of cover. They think about a quick single but the cover fielder charges in and keeps it to a dot.

31.3: Pat Cummins to Ryan Rickelton, Cummins continues to be more on the shorter side, on middle and leg. Rickelton turns it through backward square leg for another single.

31.2: Pat Cummins to Temba Bavuma, Oh, that has hurt. Seam-up ball, on middle and leg, on the shorter side. Bavuma hops to tuck it away but gets an inside edge and wears a blow on the midriff. A single is taken as the ball goes behind on the leg side.

31.1: Pat Cummins to Ryan Rickelton, Into the deck, angled in at the ribs. Rickelton gets inside the line and nurdles it behind square leg for a single.

30.6: Beau Webster to Temba Bavuma, Fuller and at the stumps, nudged away to the on side by Bavuma. A hat-trick of maidens to begin with for Beau Webster.

30.5: Beau Webster to Temba Bavuma, A bit too close for comfort, but Temba Bavuma seemed fairly confident with that leave. Immaculate length from Webster, serving it a tad full and around off, angling it back in. Bavuma shoulders arms, and the ball goes inches over the off pole.

30.4: Beau Webster to Temba Bavuma, Back of a length, around the fifth-stump line, Bavuma hops back and keeps it down.

30.3: Beau Webster to Temba Bavuma, Good length outside off, nibbling away and zipping off the deck. Bavuma makes another leave.

30.2: Beau Webster to Temba Bavuma, Nagging length, darting back in from wide outside off. Bavuma shoulders arms.

30.1: Beau Webster to Temba Bavuma, Dangling the carrot, but Bavuma doesn't take the bait. A juicy half-volley outside off, nibbling away at a gentle pace as well. Bavuma opts against driving at it and leaves it alone.

29.6: Pat Cummins to Ryan Rickelton, On the fuller side, looking to slide it back in from outside off at 141.5 kph.Rickelton gets half a stride in and dead-bats it to the off side.

29.5: Pat Cummins to Ryan Rickelton, Cummins comes around the wicket now, bowling it fractionally shorter and over off and middle.Rickelton stays back to defend.

29.4: Pat Cummins to Ryan Rickelton, FOUR! Another piece of fine timing by Rickelton. Too full, just outside off.Rickelton leans on it a bit and punches it down to the right of the silly mid off fielder, picking up his second boundary in the over.

29.3: Pat Cummins to Ryan Rickelton, Full of a good length, slanted just across the off stump.Rickelton watches it well and makes an assured leave.

29.2: Pat Cummins to Ryan Rickelton, Cummins pulls the length back by a few inches and attacks the stumps again.Rickelton blocks it off.

29.1: Pat Cummins to Ryan Rickelton, FOUR! Classy shot. Overpitched delivery on off and middle, Ryan Rickelton keeps his balance and plays a lovely on drive, nailing it well to the right of mid on for a boundary.

Pat Cummins is back, replacing Mitchell Starc.

28.6: Beau Webster to Temba Bavuma, A crisp shot for no run, and it will be another maiden for Webster. Full and outside off, Temba Bavuma laces the off drive but yet again finds his opposite number at mid off.

28.5: Beau Webster to Temba Bavuma, Nicely bowled! Beau Webster goes much fuller and this one just shapes away a touch. Temba Bavuma is caught on the crease but he does well to push at it with soft hands, edging it down towards second slip.

28.4: Beau Webster to Temba Bavuma, Good length, attacking the off stump this time. Bavuma gets across a bit and covers the line well to keep it out.

28.3: Beau Webster to Temba Bavuma, Lovely delivery! Nagging length, on the fourth stump line, and nibbling away a bit. Bavuma gets pegged back and ends up playing inside the line.

28.2: Beau Webster to Temba Bavuma, Overpitched by Webster, just outside off. Bavuma strides in and plays the drive but hits it straight to mid off.

28.1: Beau Webster to Temba Bavuma, Pitched up around off, angling it in and then getting it to straighten a bit. Bavuma covers the line well and blocks it right under the eyes.

27.6: Mitchell Starc to Temba Bavuma, Short of a good length, on the pads, and nudged away behind square leg for a single.

27.5: Mitchell Starc to Temba Bavuma, That's sharp from Starc! A snorter of a bumper at 148 kph, slanted back in over off and then just leaving the batter at high pace. Temba Bavuma does well to hop up and just sway away from the line of the ball whilst keeping the hands low. The ball whizzes past his neck.

27.4: Mitchell Starc to Temba Bavuma, Even shorter, just outside off, angling back in. Bavuma hops back and gets right behind the line, managing to keep it down.

27.3: Mitchell Starc to Temba Bavuma, Back of a length, slanted in and then looking to angle it away. Bavuma hops back and keeps it down behind point.

27.2: Mitchell Starc to Ryan Rickelton, A tight single, but it's well-judged in the end. Good length, honing it in at the stumps.Rickelton tugs it in front of mid-wicket and races through for the single. Pat Cummins at mid on, charges in and picks up the ball, firing a wide throw at the bowler's end.

27.1: Mitchell Starc to Ryan Rickelton, On a shorter length and outside off,Rickelton presses back and chops it down to gully.

DRINKS BREAK!South Africa are being put through a tough examination by the Australian quicks. Temba Bavuma has got himself a start and will be keen to kick on. Even with the ball 27 overs old, there is still enough movement off the seam to keep the batters on their toes.The Proteas will ideally want to get through the remainder of the day without losing another wicket, but can they withstand the pressure from the Australian attack? Mitchell Starc to continue.

26.6: Beau Webster to Temba Bavuma, Tidy start by Beau as he begins with a maiden. On a dragged length and wide outside off, Bavuma presses back a bit, brings his hands behind his back and leaves it alone.

26.5: Beau Webster to Temba Bavuma, Nice and full, outside off, and punched away straight to extra cover.

26.4: Beau Webster to Temba Bavuma, That's cleverly bowled. Webster goes wider on the crease, bowling at a gentle 120.3 kph, but he does get it to dart back in a fair bit. Bavuma gets the front leg across and makes a tight leave.

26.3: Beau Webster to Temba Bavuma, Full and wide outside off, going straight on. Bavuma watches the ball go past him and through to the keeper.

26.2: Beau Webster to Temba Bavuma, Good length in the channel, confidently blocked off the front foot by Temba.

26.1: Beau Webster to Temba Bavuma, Webster pitches it full and outside off, inviting the drive, and he even gets the ball to wobble away a bit.Bavuma gets halfway forward and jams it down off the outside edge, wide of Michael Neser at fifth slip, who makes a good stop.

Scott Boland has been given a breather. Beau Webster comes on to bowl.

25.6: Mitchell Starc to Ryan Rickelton, Full and fast, speared in towards middle and leg. Ryan Rickelton clips it with sweet timing but straight to the fielder at mid on.

25.5: Mitchell Starc to Temba Bavuma, Back of a length, over middle, and angling back in. Bavuma dabs it down in front of square leg and picks up a single.

25.4: Mitchell Starc to Temba Bavuma, Hard length outside off, Temba stays a bit tentative and stabs it off the outside edge of the bat to gully. Bavuma shakes his right hand as that's hit him flush on the glove.

25.3: Mitchell Starc to Temba Bavuma, Starc darts this one into the batter, a bit more round-arm and bashing it into the pitch. Bavuma gets all cramped up and wears it on the thigh pad.

25.2: Mitchell Starc to Temba Bavuma, Length ball, pitched wide outside the off stump, and Bavuma leaves it alone.

25.1: Mitchell Starc to Temba Bavuma, FOUR! That's rolled away into the fence. Short of a length, wide outside off. Temba Bavuma rides the bounce and lets the ball come onto him, before gliding it nicely between the slip cordon and gully fielder for a boundary. The 50 is finally up for South Africa as well.

24.6: Scott Boland to Ryan Rickelton, Another change of angle as Boland comes from around the wicket for the last ball of the over. Full and nipping back in, but not enough to trouble the left-hander. Ryan covers the off stump and lets the ball pass.

24.5: Scott Boland to Ryan Rickelton, Back to over the wicket, pushed across the left-hander, more on the fuller side. Rickelton makes a watchful leave.

24.4: Scott Boland to Ryan Rickelton, Boland changes his angle of attack as he comes from around the wicket. In and around the off stump on that good length. Rickelton covers the line and blocks it out.

24.3: Scott Boland to Ryan Rickelton, Hits the good length, this comes back a bit off the seam, on middle. Ryan watchfully keeps it out.

24.2: Scott Boland to Ryan Rickelton, Pitches it up now, around off. Rickelton presses forward and pushes it to mid off.

24.1: Scott Boland to Ryan Rickelton, Slanting away from the left-hander, on a nagging length. Rickelton goes searching for the ball as he taps it down to cover.

23.6: Mitchell Starc to Temba Bavuma, Stays full and outside off. Bavuma resists the temptation of going for the drive and leaves the ball alone.

23.5: Mitchell Starc to Temba Bavuma, Starc switches to around the wicket, and he serves the tempter, full and wide on off at 149.5 kph. Bavuma offers no shot.

23.4: Mitchell Starc to Temba Bavuma, Starc brings the line closer to the off stump but continues to be on that drivable length. This time, Temba shoulders arms.

23.3: Mitchell Starc to Temba Bavuma, FOUR! Australia won't mind this. Starc dishes out a full ball, wider on off. Bavuma does not move his feet much and extends his hands into the drive. He just times the shot and it races through covers for a boundary.

23.2: Mitchell Starc to Temba Bavuma, Angling away and Starc stays on a good length. Bavuma holds his bat high to make the leave.

23.1: Mitchell Starc to Temba Bavuma, Across off, bowled on a good length by Starc. Bavuma drops it with soft hands in front of cover.Rickelton is keen for a quick single but Temba sends him back.

22.6: Scott Boland to Ryan Rickelton, Slanting back in, on a short of a length, on middle. Rickelton gets right behind the line and defends it off the back foot.

22.5: Scott Boland to Ryan Rickelton, Boland switches to around the wicket for the left-hander and bowls it full, looking to eke out the drive.An unusual leave from Rickelton, who slides his back leg towards the off side to ensure he covers the off stump.

22.4: Scott Boland to Temba Bavuma, Jagging back in off the seam, on a good length, on middle. Bavuma clips it wide of mid-wicket and gets to the other end.

22.3: Scott Boland to Temba Bavuma, Boland bends his back and bangs it in short, on off. Bavuma gets his hands high and swivels for the pull but he is through his shot early and fails to connect.This is the second time Bavuma has been early into a pull against Boland. On the previous occasion, he got it towards mid-wicket, where Travis Head pulled off a diving stop.

22.2: Scott Boland to Temba Bavuma, Hurls it on a good length, in the corridor of uncertainty. Temba covers the off stump and shoulders arms.

22.1: Scott Boland to Temba Bavuma, Lands it on a length, targeting the off pole. Bavuma pushes slightly out in front of his body as he plays it towards mid on with a straight bat.

21.6: Mitchell Starc to Ryan Rickelton, Fuller in length, sliding onto the pads. Rickelton nudges it towards mid-wicket rather tentatively.A successful over for Mitchell Starc, who looks much better in rhythm and has a wicket to show for it.

21.5: Mitchell Starc to Ryan Rickelton, Hits the bat hard, does Starc, on a hard length, on middle. Ryan hangs back to defend and takes the bottom hand off the bat handle on impact.

21.4: Mitchell Starc to Ryan Rickelton, Angled in, on a short of a length, on middle. Rickelton works it behind square leg with the angle. It goes wide of deep fine leg and Ryan is off the mark with a brace.

South Africa continue to slip further. Ryan Rickelton now walks out to bat at number 6.

21.3: Mitchell Starc to Matthew Breetzke, OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! A loose shot by Matthew Breetzke, and he has paid the ultimate price. Starc pulls the length back and slants it across the right-hander. Breetzke gets up on his toes, looking to punch it away through the off side. The ball leaves him with the angle and takes a faint outside edge before Alex Carey pouches it safely.A change of ends brings immediate success for Mitchell Starc, who struggled with the landing area yesterday while bowling from the opposite end. South Africa slip to 40/4.

21.2: Mitchell Starc to Matthew Breetzke, Cranks it up at 147.8 kph, fuller in length, inviting the drive.Breetzke does not fall for the trap and is happy to let the ball go through to the keeper.

21.1: Mitchell Starc to Matthew Breetzke, Pushed across the right-hander, on a back of a length.Breetzke lets it be. It carries nicely to Alex Carey, who collects it at chest height by staying side on.

Mitchell Starc to bowl for the first time on Day 2, coming from the Duckpond End now.

20.6: Scott Boland to Temba Bavuma, On the off stump, on a nagging length. Bavuma is solid in defense.

20.5: Scott Boland to Temba Bavuma, A beauty by Boland. Hits the good length, around the fourth stump. Bavuma plays inside the line as he presents a straight bat. The ball angles in before straightening off the deck. It whistles past the blade and Alex Carey fumbles the take but it is mopped up by the first slip fielder.

20.4: Scott Boland to Temba Bavuma, On a back of a length, on off. Temba stabs it down from the crease.

20.3: Scott Boland to Temba Bavuma, Interest shown by the Aussies! Scott Boland is not quite sure, and Pat Cummins does not take the review. Wobble seam ball by Boland, one that nips back into the right-hander, on a good length. Bavuma lunges ahead for the block but is beaten past the inside edge. The ball grazes the flap of the front pad before it is taken by the keeper, Alex Carey. The impact seemed to be outside the line there. The Ball Tracking confirms that, and there was no edge either.

20.2: Scott Boland to Temba Bavuma, Pitched up a bit, around off. Bavuma shuffles a bit towards the off side, gets behind the line and blocks it out with a straight bat. He follows it up with a loud call of 'No'.

20.1: Scott Boland to Temba Bavuma, At 136.9 kph, slanting in at the hips. Bavuma waits for the ball on the back foot and turns it away through square leg. Travis Head goes after it from mid-wicket but cannot prevent the batters from taking the second run.

19.6: Pat Cummins to Matthew Breetzke, In the channel, on the fuller side.Breetzke makes an assured leave.

19.5:Pat Cummins to Temba Bavuma, Cummins goes a bit into the wicket, angled in at the ribs. Bavuma rises with the bounce and gets his hands high to fend it down. It pops up a bit but well away from the reach of the short leg fielder. It dribbles behind square leg as the batters cross over.

19.4: Pat Cummins to Matthew Breetzke, The length is pulled back and the ball is darted back in towards the hips.Breetzke stays back and glances it down to deep fine leg for a single.

19.3: Pat Cummins to Matthew Breetzke, Good effort in the field! Cummins pushes the length up, on off.Breetzke gets his bat down and squeezes it out back past the bowler. The sub fielder, Cooper Connolly moves to his right swiftly at mid off and dives to make the stop.

19.2: Pat Cummins to Matthew Breetzke, Honing in on the off pole, on a good length. Breetzke lets the ball come on and plays it right under his eyes. He drops it beside the strip on the off side and looks for a run but the cover fielder is quick to swoop in and prevent the single.

19.1: Pat Cummins to Matthew Breetzke, Dug in short, over off. Matthew Breetzke ducks under it.

Half an hour into play, the ball hasn’t done a great deal, but there’s still enough in the surface for the pacers to keep the batters honest.

18.6: Scott Boland to Matthew Breetzke, Tap and run. Short of a good length, around off.Breetzke taps it in front of extra cover for a quick single.

18.5: Scott Boland to Temba Bavuma, All smiles in the end, but Pat Cummins could have actually injured himself here. Full and straight, punched away just to the right of the stumps at the other end. Pat Cummins at mid on chases after it and tries to stop it with his boot rather than dive on the advertisement that is painted on the outfield, and he misses. The ball rolls away a bit more and Cummins does eventually slide in to make the stop and keeps it down to a single.

18.4: Scott Boland to Temba Bavuma, Boland instantly drags the length back but keeps the line in and around off stump. Bavuma blocks it off.

18.3: Scott Boland to Temba Bavuma, FOUR! Not too dissimilar to the previous ball, but this time Bavuma decides to play more of an attacking shot. Full and on off, Bavuma gets onto the front foot and caresses it back past the bowler for a boundary down to long off.

18.2: Scott Boland to Temba Bavuma, Pitched fuller and on off, Bavuma gets forward and blocks it off.

18.1: Scott Boland to Temba Bavuma, Nicely fielded, and Travis Head even riles up the crowd by throwing the ball up in the air, making them think that it's a catch. Dug in short over off, Temba Bavuma drags the pull down into the turf and just to the right of short mid-wicket, where Head dives acros and makes a very sharp stop.

17.6: Pat Cummins to Matthew Breetzke, On a good length, attacking the top of off. Solidly blocked off the front foot by Breetzke.

17.5: Pat Cummins to Matthew Breetzke, Some hesitation from the two batters, but eventually, it is an easy brace on offer. Hard length outside off,Breetzke hangs back and looks to leave, but makes the late decision to play at it and stabs it down between the slip cordon and gully for a couple of runs.

17.4: Pat Cummins to Matthew Breetzke, Very full and outside off, floating it up rather than bashing it into the deck, and trying to eke out a drive, but Breetzke leaves it alone.

17.3: Pat Cummins to Temba Bavuma, Another really well-judged single. Good length on off, and Cummins hits the deck hard this time. Bavuma just blocks it towards cover and races through for the run.

17.2: Pat Cummins to Temba Bavuma, Nice and full, served on the fifth-stump line at 144.4 kph. Bavuma tucks his hands behind and lets this one through to the keeper.

17.1: Pat Cummins to Temba Bavuma, Bowled much fuller and on off, angling it in. Bavuma is made to play at the ball and blocks it out to mid on.

16.6: Scott Boland to Temba Bavuma, Drop and run, excellent from Bavuma. Pitched up, attacking the off stump, Bavuma lunges ahead and pushes it out in front of covers before scampering across for a run.

16.5: Scott Boland to Temba Bavuma, Good-length delivery, angling back in a bit from the sixth-stump line. Bavuma shoulders arms at it.

16.4: Scott Boland to Temba Bavuma, A smidge fuller now and Boland brings the line straighter at the stumps. Bavuma drives it gently and towards mid on.

16.3: Scott Boland to Temba Bavuma, Good length, outside the off stump line and angling away a touch. A bit more zip off the deck, but wide enough for Bavuma to leave it alone.

16.2: Scott Boland to Temba Bavuma, Length again, pushed a bit wider of the off stump and left alone by Temba.

16.1: Scott Boland to Temba Bavuma, Oh, nearly another one for Boland. On a hard length, pitched wide of the off stump and slanting it back in - not much, but just enough. Bavuma ends up fending inside the line of this one.

15.6: Pat Cummins to Matthew Breetzke, Good length, in that corridor of uncertainty.Breetzke stays back, covers the line a bit and makes a block.

15.5: Pat Cummins to Matthew Breetzke, Good change-up from Cummins. The straight bumper, banged in over middle, and Breetzke has to duck under it.

15.4: Pat Cummins to Temba Bavuma, Hard length, angled into the body at a searing 146 kph. Bavuma hops and tucks it away, not off the bat but off his thigh pad through the leg gully region and collects a leg bye.

15.3: Pat Cummins to Temba Bavuma, Length ball on the fourth-stump line.Bavuma gets a stride forward and solidly blocks it off.

15.2: Pat Cummins to Temba Bavuma, Good length again, angled into the batter from wider on the crease. Bavuma looks to tuck it away but the ball straightens ever so slightly and sneaks past the bat to hit Bavuma high on the pads.

15.1: Pat Cummins to Temba Bavuma, Good-length delivery in the channel, not much movement on offer, but there is decent carry. Bavuma leaves it alone.

14.6: Scott Boland to Matthew Breetzke, A wicket-maiden for Boland, excellent yet again. Fuller one around off,Breetzke is caught in two minds and his feet are stuck on the crease, and he ends up smothering it away right under the eyes.

14.5: Scott Boland to Matthew Breetzke, Boland pulls the length back now, trying to dart it back in from outside off.Breetzke stays watchful and makes a leave.

14.4: Scott Boland to Matthew Breetzke, Full of a good length and wider of the off stump. Matthew Breetzke shoulders arms.

Matthew Breetzke walks out to bat in his first Test on home soil.

14.3: Scott Boland to Marques Ackerman, OUT! EDGED AND GONE! Boland's at it again, a third wicket for him, and South Africa are in tatters here at 25/3. This is pitched up at the batter, in and around the off stump. Marques Ackerman is drawn forward into the drive, but there's that hint of movement away from him that brings the outside edge into play.Ackerman edges it behind and Alex Carey takes a good low catch just down to his left. All the hard work put in by the debutant has come undone here.

14.2: Scott Boland to Marques Ackerman, Fuller and outside off,Ackerman comes down the pitch and hits it on the full, straight to the fielder at silly mid off.

14.1: Scott Boland to Marques Ackerman, Around the wicket to the left-hander, a touch fuller and slanted back in towards the front pad.Ackerman leans forward and tucks it to wide mid on.

13.6: Pat Cummins to Temba Bavuma, Cummins hits a hard length this time, angling it back in from outside off. Temba Bavuma stays solid in defence.

13.5: Pat Cummins to Temba Bavuma, Length ball in the channel, sliding straight on. Bavuma shoulders arms and the ball sort of dies on its way to the keeper.

13.4: Pat Cummins to Temba Bavuma, Full of a good length, around off and darting it back in. Bavuma defends it off the middle of his willow.

13.3: Pat Cummins to Marques Ackerman, That will make the debutant feel at ease. Good length again, slanted in towards the top of off stump.Ackerman just bunts it down in front of covers and pinches a quick single.

13.2: Pat Cummins to Marques Ackerman, On a good length and outside off, angling away a bit, and Ackerman leaves it alone.

13.1: Pat Cummins to Marques Ackerman, Excellent hustle from Alex Carey, but there doesn't seem to be any bat involved. Pat Cummins begins with a steepler and attacks the batter's helmet. Marques Ackerman rises with the bounce, keeps the hands down a bit and the ball lobs up off the arm guard. The keeper scampers in front to his right and dives in, but Ackerman is safe here.

Pat Cummins brings himself on from the other end. We have about two hours to squeeze in the remaining 30 overs.

12.6: Scott Boland to Temba Bavuma, FOUR! Positive intent from Bavuma, and the first runs of the day come in the form of a boundary. Full-pitched delivery, slightly outside off, not quite a half-volley either. Temba Bavuma leans on and strokes it sweetly through covers for a boundary.

12.5: Scott Boland to Temba Bavuma, Pitched fuller and straighter at the stumps, Bavuma gets halfway forward and blocks it to mid on.

12.4: Scott Boland to Temba Bavuma, This one goes the other way. Back of a length and wide outside off, angling further away. Bavuma makes a much easier leave this time.

12.3: Scott Boland to Temba Bavuma, Prodigious movement right away. Boland hits a good length and gets the ball to seam back in a fair bit to the right-hander. Temba Bavuma stays compact and ends up playing inside the line.

After a long wait of six hours, we are finally all set for play to get underway under bright sunshine. It has been a frustrating day for everyone waiting for some cricket, but hopefully, whatever action we get today will make the long wait worthwhile.Pat Cummins has his men in a huddle before they disperse and take the field. Scott Boland is ready at the top of his mark. Temba Bavuma is on strike. Three slips, a gully and a short leg in place. Here we go!

JUST IN - We have news filtering in that Josh Hazlewood is unwell and will not take the field today. The Australian camp expects the pacer to recover in time to return to action tomorrow.With only 30.4 overs scheduled for the day, his absence may not be a major concern for the visitors in the short term, but they will certainly hope he is back fit and firing for the remainder of the Test and the series.As far as South Africa are concerned, Hazlewood's absence offers them some respite, at least for today. However, there is still plenty of quality in the Australian attack for them to contend with.The pitch has been uncovered for over three hours now, and with the sun shining, some of the moisture may have evaporated. That could make things a little less challenging for the batters, although much will depend on how the surface plays when action resumes.

Game stopped due to : Wet Ground Condition

1.06 pm GMT -The stumps are being erected,which is an encouraging sign that we might not be too far away from finally getting some action after all. And there you go, we have a start time.Play on Day 2 is set to commence at 1.45 pm GMT, with 30.4 overs scheduled to be bowled for the day. That is, of course, subject to the weather and light, but neither appears to be a concern at the moment.

12.55 pm GMT -Right, the umpires are out again to inspect the conditions and assess whether the outfield is finally fit for play. They have headed straight towards a patch near the square of the wicket that had caught their attention during an earlier inspection, before moving across to check the other side as well.Players from both camps are out on the field, going through their warm-up drills. Proteas head coach, Shukri Conrad, joins the two umpires for a chat, presumably to get a better understanding of their assessment of the conditions.

12.36 pm GMT -The teams have finally arrived at the venue. There were already a few players and support staff who came to train earlier, but the majority of the players were still at the hotel. This is very positive news because it gives everyone more hope that we will get some play in before the end of the day.Let's hope that a few patches that are causing concerns for the umpires dry up soon, and we can get a clearer picture of how the day is eventually going to pan out.

12.22 pm GMT -Not the outcome we were hoping for.Another inspection has been scheduled for 1 pm GMT as the wait goes on.It has been dry for roughly three hours, but not much difference seems to have been made, given the rain we had yesterday and earlier today.

12.08 pm GMT -Here we go again for another round of inspection, as the two umpires walk out onto the park. Some areas still appear to be soft, based on the visuals.The head groundsman walks over to meet the match officials, and there is a lengthy discussion, though it is hard to tell what to make of it.The inspection is done, and the umpires are now filling in match referee Javagal Srinath, pointing towards a few spots on the ground that could be causing some concern.

11.54 am GMT -The sun is finally out for the first time today, and it could not have come at a better time. Hopefully it dries the outfield out, and South Africa will be especially keen for it to take some of the moisture out of the pitch. A couple of members of the Aussie camp are out and about, inspecting the outfield for themselves before taking a close look at the surface.As we wait for the inspection, which is scheduled to take place in about 20 minutes, you can switch tabs and follow the action from the second game of the Tri-Series in the UAE between Afghanistan and Zimbabwe. It is the first game for the Afghans, while the Chevrons already have a win on the board after prevailing over Bangladesh in the opening game.

11.14 am GMT -There continues to be no sign of any players or coaching staff setting up their gear for warm-ups. Punctual as ever, the match officials are out for another inspection. Will the third time be the charm?Not quite. The umpires will be back out at 12.15 pm GMT for another look.

10.52 am GMT -There doesn’t appear to be much activity around the areas of concern at the moment. The sun remains hidden, and there isn’t much wind either, both of which could have helped speed up the drying process. With little help from the weather, we will have to wait and see if conditions improve before the next inspection.

10.25 am GMT -The cameras zoom in on what appears to be the area where water from the covers and the Super Sopper is collected. The patches on either side of the boundary cushions look particularly soggy, and that could be the area causing the umpires some concern.Well, no luck this time around either. The umpires are still not satisfied with the condition of the outfield and have decided to conduct another inspection at 11.15 am GMT.

10.14 am GMT -Round two of the inspection is coming up. There’s still no sign of the players coming out for warm-ups, which makes you wonder if the ground is quite ready yet. Let’s see what the officials make of it this time.The two umpires are taking a long, hard look at some of the areas of concern in the outfield. After all, player safety is the number one priority, and they will want to be absolutely sure the conditions are safe before giving the go-ahead.

9.45 am GMT -It has been close to an hour since the rain stopped, and conditions have stayed dry, which is a good sign. The forecast suggests it should remain clear for the rest of the day.A mini version of the Super Sopper is out on the outfield, working on those wet patches near the boundary. The next inspection is half an hour away, so fingers crossed they can get things ready by then. Stick around!

9.13 am GMT -Time for the inspection. The match officials are taking a stroll across the outfield, looking for any damp patches. They have headed particularly towards the areas closer to the boundary, pressing their shoes against the turf to feel for any sogginess.The chief of the ground staff joins the discussion, and going by their body language, we could have another inspection.And we have the official word that another inspection will take place in about an hour’s time, at 10.15 am GMT. The wait continues!

9.02 am GMT -Some excellent news just a few minutes ahead of the inspection, the main cover is being peeled off. Moments later, the strip has been uncovered, as the Super Sopper continues to do its work around the outfield. We might actually get some play after all. But let's not get too far ahead of ourselves and just wait for the umpires to have their say.

8.58 am GMT -Things have brightened up again and it seems like the drizzle has stopped. The ground staff are back at their job, but for now the main cover is still in place. An inspection is still scheduled for 9.15 am GMT, and hopefully, we get some more clarity once the umpires have had a good look at the conditions. Stay tuned.

8.42 am GMT -It seems like there's been a fresh drizzle. The main cover was ready to come off, but it is now going back in place. Let's hope that this sprinkle doesn't turn into a shower.

8.20 am GMT -It's looking more and more hopeful out there. Only the main cover remains in place, and the clouds are starting to break up a bit. The ground staff are working rigorously, as there is standing water on the main cover as well, and the mop-up job could still take some time. So, stick around for further updates.We have more positive news as the umpires have placed an inspection in place for 9.15 am GMT. There's about 55 minutes left for that inspection to take place, so grab a cup of coffee or tea and relax, and keep your fingers crossed that we do get a start time soon.

7.57 am GMT -The rain has subsided, and the ground staff are out to clear the water off the covers.It has brightened up a bit, and one can even see a few patches of blue sky.Encouraging signs, but we are still a long way from any play.

7.44 am GMT -Just as the rain looked to be easing, it is now bucketing down.It is all looking gloomy at the moment, but there is light at the end of the tunnel, with the rain due to clear in a couple of hours and better weather to follow.

7.33 am GMT -The rain has eased a little but is yet to stop completely. The ground staff were out earlier with the Super Sopper, mopping up as much water as they could. One of the match officials has made his way out to have a look at the conditions. There is plenty of water on the covers, and with only the square covered, the outfield does not look encouraging.

7 am GMT -The latest from the ground is that it continues to rain, and heavily so. Neither the match officials nor the players have arrived at the ground as of yet. We are hearing that there is no possibility of any play before midday, which is 10 am GMT, so we are in for a long wait.Considering that it has rained all night and continues to do so, the outfield would have taken a real beating, and the ground staff will have their work cut out once the rain eases.

Dig in or fall behind -Losing the toss on a day like yesterday was always going to hurt South Africa, and the damage was done in whatever brief action we saw. Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood were a bit off, but Scott Boland was right at it.Whenever we do get back underway, the Proteas have a tough task, with the surface having been under covers and potentially overhead conditions making batting a challenge. Australia’s four-pronged pace attack will want to make the most of that and set the game up for their side.

Better luck today?That is the hope as we welcome you to our coverage of Day 2 here in Gqeberha. Rain won the opening day, with only 12.2 overs possible, and it kept falling through the night and into this morning. The forecast is for it to clear in the afternoon, which makes the 7.45 am GMT early start unlikely, but there could still be some play later in the day.

Signing off from Gqeberha -That’s all from a rain-affected opening day. The forecast for Day 2 is not any better, but let’s hope the weather plays ball and we get considerably more action than we had today. To make up for the time lost, there will be an early start on Day 2, with play set to begin 15 minutes earlier than usual at 7.45 am GMT, weather permitting, of course. We look forward to having your company then. Cheers!

Tale of two halves -Earlier, Pat Cummins had no hesitation in bowling first after winning the toss, with overhead skies and moisture in the surface suggesting a good day for the pacers, on paper at least. Play began after a two-hour delay, but there was no real movement through the air and none off the seam either.The Aussie quicks struggled to find their rhythm up front as they tussled with the landing area, and South Africa went unscathed in the 5.3 overs possible in the first session. The second spell of rain seemed to liven up the pitch, and Scott Boland made the conditions count. Playing his first Test in nearly 10 months, he had no trouble hitting his straps and, as he so often does, went bang, bang, before the rain intervened, and that was that for the day.

2.14 pm GMT-STUMPS, DAY 1 -The plug has been pulled. Common sense has prevailed, and the umpires have decided to call it a day. The outfield has taken a real beating, and plenty of water has accumulated on the covers. A bummer on a day when there was a good turnout, comparatively better than in Durban, but the rain gods had other plans.

2.12 pm GMT -It is still raining pretty hard, and the match officials have got together. They are having a chat with the chief of the ground staff here at St George’s Park. We could have a decision on the day soon, as schoolkids who braved the weather in their raincoats are making their way out.

1.58 pm GMT -No sign of the rain easing, and it has actually increased in intensity. We have time until 4.30 pm GMT, including the extra half hour, but with the weather as it is, that looks like a long shot. If the conditions stay as they are, we may see the day get called off soon.In the meantime, despite the rain pouring down, a few of the Aussie players, presumably those not in the XI, are doing sprint drills in the outfield.

1.40 pm GMT -A deserted look at the ground as it is still drizzling, and with the light as poor as it is, the chances of any more play today look slim.The St George’s Band were up and about earlier, but they have gone quiet now, and so has the DJ at the ground.

1.08 pm GMT -With it still raining, an early TEA has been taken. Let’s hope the weather clears up soon so that we can have some action in the final session of the day.Only 6.5 overs of action were possible in the session, but that was enough for Scott Boland to rock the Proteas. In the first session, there was little help for the seamers, neither through the air nor off the pitch, but Boland made things happen soon after he was introduced in the post-Lunch session.Both Aiden Markram and David Bedingham fell with shot selection leading to their downfall, but take nothing away from the skill of the Victorian, who extracted more help than any of the Aussie quicks in whatever brief action we have seen so far.Still early days in the Test, but so far, Australia’s call on Boland looks like a good one.

12.50 pm GMT -The waiting game will go on for longer, as it continues to drizzle and even the ground staff have retreated to their sheds. The Tea break is scheduled to take place at 1.40 pm GMT, so it is likely that any further action we see today will come in the third session.Down in Rawalpindi, Sri Lanka have been set a target of 306 by Pakistan in the Tri-Series opener. It took a hundred from Salman Agha in his comeback game, but Sri Lanka finished strongly to limit the home side.You can switch tabs to follow the chase, but do keep checking back here for the latest from Gqeberha.

12.24 pm GMT -The rain has eased to a drizzle, but it is steady. A few members of the ground staff are still on the park, ready to spring into action whenever the rain subsides. The light is also going to be an issue going forward today unless the skies clear up considerably.

12.02 pm GMT -The rain is coming down really hard now, and we could be in for another significant delay.It is not surprising, as the forecast has stayed true to the kind of day this was always going to be. All we can do is wait for the conditions to improve. Stay tuned for further updates.

11.53 am GMT -Right, the players are going off as the rain has picked up in intensity. It has been that kind of day, and if the conditions and the bowling were not challenging enough, this stop-start nature of the game does the Proteas no good.Scott Boland will be frustrated at having had to come off, as he had the ball on a string and has been the pick of the Aussie quicks so far.

Game stopped due to : Wet Ground Condition

12.2: Scott Boland to Temba Bavuma, Goes past the bat! Honing in at the off stump, on a good length. Temba does well not to go fishing at the ball. The ball nips away off the deck to whistle past the blade.

It has started to drizzle but we carry on for now.

12.1: Scott Boland to Temba Bavuma, Nipping back in towards the off stump. Bavuma defends it close to his body.

11.6: Pat Cummins to Marques Ackerman, Slightly fuller, on the off stump.Ackerman has just blocked that from the crease.

11.5: Pat Cummins to Marques Ackerman, At 140 kph, on a back of a length, on middle. Marques Ackerman stabs it down the deck.

11.4: Pat Cummins to Marques Ackerman, A little too straight, on the shorter side.Ackerman pivots for the pull but is rushed and gets it off the gloves. It goes to the left of deep fine leg for a couple of runs.

11.3: Pat Cummins to Marques Ackerman, Down leg, on a length.Ackerman misses out on the glance. There is a noise as the ball passes the bat, but it is the ball brushing the pads on the way to the keeper.

11.2: Pat Cummins to Marques Ackerman, Hits the bat hard, does Cummins, on middle.Ackerman nudges it beside the strip on the leg side.

11.1: Pat Cummins to Marques Ackerman, From around the wicket, attacking the front pad, full in length.Ackerman pushes it to mid on.

10.6: Scott Boland to Temba Bavuma, Angled in at the off stump, on a good length, Bavuma defends it solidly off the front foot.

10.5: Scott Boland to Temba Bavuma, Outside off, that is left alone for the keeper to collect.

10.4: Scott Boland to Temba Bavuma, FOUR! Edgy! Boland pitches it up, on off and middle. Bavuma pushes it out in front of his body yet again with a straight bat. The ball moves away off the seam to square him up. The outside edge does not carry and beats the diving gully fielder to his left.

10.3: Scott Boland to Temba Bavuma, An absolute ripper! Bowled by going wide on the crease, straightening off the deck, in and around the off pole. Bavuma pushes out in front of his body and is beaten past the outside edge.

10.2: Scott Boland to Temba Bavuma, Pushes the length up, on off. Temba eases it to mid off.

10.1: Scott Boland to Marques Ackerman, Nibbling away a touch, on a good length, around off.Ackerman presses forward and the ball kicks up a bit to catch the upper half. It dribbles wide of cover for a single.

9.6: Josh Hazlewood to Temba Bavuma, Full again, on the stumps, Temba watches it like a hawk and defends it to mid off.

9.5: Josh Hazlewood to Temba Bavuma, Straighter and fuller, outside off, Bavuma offers no shot.

9.4: Josh Hazlewood to Temba Bavuma, This one kicks up a bit from a good length, Temba Bavuma hops off to ride the bounce but gets a bit of a glove. The ball then deflects onto his thigh pad before rolling to the off side.

9.3: Josh Hazlewood to Temba Bavuma, Around off and full, 134.8 kph, Bavuma leans on and defends it to cover.

9.2: Josh Hazlewood to Temba Bavuma, In-between length, angled in and around the middle stump. Temba Bavuma blocks it right under his bat.

9.1: Josh Hazlewood to Marques Ackerman, A length ball on leg stump, 136 kph, Ackerman moves across and clips it to Boland at deep fine leg for a single.

8.6: Scott Boland to Temba Bavuma, Another pearler! Nearly a hat-trick for Boland. Spears in a full delivery, on the off stump and gets it to jag back in off the pitch. Temba plays at it but gets a faint inside edge onto the back pad. A muted appeal but it wanes away instantly.

Scott Boland goes bang, bang! The skipper, Temba Bavuma, walks out to face the hat-trick ball. Boland already has a Test hat-trick to his name, which he took in the Caribbean in 2025.

8.5: Scott Boland to David Bedingham, OUT! EDGED AND CAUGHT! Two in two for Boland. He is turning up the heat in Gqeberha. Bowls with an upright seam on a slightly fuller length, outside the off stump. David Bedingham gets half-forward without moving his feet all the way to the pitch of the ball. The bat loosely dangles away from his body and an outside edge is found. Alex Carey takes a straightforward catch and South Africa are 12/2, in a spot of bother now.

South Africa suffer a big blow. The new batter is David Bedingham.

8.4: Scott Boland to Aiden Markram, OUT!BOWLED! Boland flattens the middle stump and gets his first Test wicket on South African soil. On a good length around the off stump, it is not on a drivable length, but Markram draws his front foot forward to play the cover drive. The ball lands, nips in a long way, takes the inside edge and uproots the middle stump.A peach of a delivery from the big Victorian. South Africa are 12/1 as Markram falls.

8.3: Scott Boland to Aiden Markram, Nips in a touch, on a good length on middle, Aiden steers it to mid-wicket.

8.2: Scott Boland to Aiden Markram, Tight line on the stumps, Aiden rocks back and blocks the length ball to mid off.

8.1: Scott Boland to Aiden Markram, Pitched on a good length, outside off, Markram opts to leave.

7.6: Josh Hazlewood to Marques Ackerman, Hits the length hard, on off, angling in. Ackerman dead-bats it down the surface.

7.5: Josh Hazlewood to Marques Ackerman, A smidge full and outside off, left alone by Ackerman.

7.4: Josh Hazlewood to Marques Ackerman, Short of a length, 132.4 kph, on off, Ackerman stabs it down the pitch off the back foot.

7.3: Josh Hazlewood to Aiden Markram, On a length, on middle and leg, Aiden Markram waits back and steers it through backward square leg for a run.

7.2: Josh Hazlewood to Aiden Markram, Bangs it short now, on off, Aiden Markram sways away and drops his wrists to let the ball fly back. Carey leaps a bit over his left shoulder and makes a half-stop.

7.1: Josh Hazlewood to Aiden Markram,Tight leave! On the fourth stump line, nibbling away off the pitch on a fuller length. Markram watches it closely and leaves.

6.6: Scott Boland to Marques Ackerman, A probing over from Boland. Goes full on the stumps, angling in, Marques flicks it to mid-wicket.

6.5: Scott Boland to Marques Ackerman, A bit short and on the stumps, Ackerman knocks it down to mid on.

6.4: Scott Boland to Marques Ackerman, Beaten! Very full and outside off, swinging away sharply this time. Marques covers the off stump by shuffling, gets on the front foot and goes for a big-booming cover drive, but the ball zips past his outside edge. He will thank his stars that it didn't graze the edge on the way to the keeper.

6.3: Scott Boland to Marques Ackerman, Aims the stumps with a full ball, Ackerman takes a couple of steps out of the crease and strokes it to mid on.

6.2: Scott Boland to Marques Ackerman,Beauty! Angles it into the batter on a length, in the channel. Marques Ackerman gets a bit squared up to block but the ball nibbles away to beat the outside edge. It just about carries to the keeper.

6.1: Scott Boland to Marques Ackerman, Starts from around the stumps. Bowls full and outside off. It lands and just dies on the surface, Marques leaves as the ball goes on a couple of bounces to Carey.

Interesting. Mitchell Starc, who shared the new ball with Josh Hazlewood, has been taken off.Scott Boland comes on to bowl.

5.6: Josh Hazlewood to Aiden Markram, Back of a length, on top of off, Markram hangs back and confidently blocks it down.

5.5: Josh Hazlewood to Aiden Markram, Short and outside off, with a little bit of outswing, Aiden shoulders arms.

5.4: Josh Hazlewood to Aiden Markram, Right on the spot! Fuller than a length, angled in, Aiden tucks it off the back foot to the mid on region.

We are all set for the action to resume. It continues to be overcast as the two umpires and players make their way out to the middle. Aiden Markram is on strike. Josh Hazlewood will finish his over. Three slips and a gully await. Here we go!

10.59 am GMT -The rain has stopped, and the covers are being peeled off. Even when the rain was falling, the ground staff opted to stay on the park, so, going by that, the intensity of the rain was not much, and we could get going again before long.And there you go, we have a resumption time, with the second session set to commence at 11.20 am GMT and will go on until 1.40 pm GMT. The third session will run from 2 pm to 4 pm GMT, and 72 overs are scheduled to be bowled in the day. Given the weather and the light, it remains to be seen how many of those we actually get in.

10.50 am GMT-Unfortunately, the rain is still falling in Gqeberha, but there is no shortage of activity out in the middle. Two groups of ground staff are hard at work, rolling the rope around the outfield to squeeze the water out and give play the best possible chance of getting underway once the skies relent.The rest of the crew is busy at the edges of the blue sheets laid down to protect the bowlers' run-ups and the squares, making sure every corner stays as dry as it can be. The host broadcaster is due to be back on air at 11.13 am GMT, so we could have a start around then, weather permitting, of course.

10.36 am GMT -We have news coming in that early LUNCH has been taken. The start-stop nature of the day is as frustrating as it gets, but there is little anyone can do about it. In the 5.3 overs of cricket happened so far, it was clear that the pitch is on the slower side. Both frontline pacers, Starc and Hazlewood, managed to extract a bit of sideways movement, which hints that the surface is not without its demons. Both struggled to find their lines and lengths, though, and the landing area, which was left a touch damp by the earlier rain, surely played some role in it.Markram played a couple of delightful cover drives to get South Africa underway, and that was that. For now, the rain has not let up. It is not heavy, but it is persistent enough to keep the covers firmly in place out in the middle. Let's hope that the rain stops and play resumes on time after Lunch. Stay tuned for further updates.

10.27 am GMT -The rain has picked up, and the players are heading off. Marques Ackerman will breathe a sigh of relief that he managed to get off the mark just before the break, or else the wait for his first Test run would have had him on the edge all through the break. A nice little moment, too, as Ackerman waves to his son in the stands.The forecast for tomorrow is not great either, especially in the morning, before it starts to clear up in the afternoon.

5.3: Josh Hazlewood to Marques Ackerman, First run for Marques Ackerman in Test cricket! It took a while to get off the mark, but that will certainly relieve him a lot. A bit short and outside off, Marques hangs back and steers it between gully and backward point for a single.

5.2: Josh Hazlewood to Marques Ackerman, From around the stump, too full on the stumps, angling in, Ackerman looks to flick but his head falls over and he closes the bat face early too. Gets a bit of a leading edge and the ball rolls to cover.

5.1: Josh Hazlewood to Marques Ackerman, Full ball on the off stump, Ackerman prods forward and defends it straight.

The umpires got together between overs and were signalling something to the ground staff.

4.6: Mitchell Starc to Aiden Markram, At around 141 clicks, this is bashed hard into the pitch, outside off, Markram shoulders arms.

4.5: Mitchell Starc to Aiden Markram, FOUR! Textbook! Starc comes from over the stumps now and lands it full, outside off, Markram leans on and crisply drives it through the cover and mid off gap for a boundary. Didn't try to hit it too hard, just pure timing.

4.4: Mitchell Starc to Aiden Markram, Far outside off, perhaps looking to swing it in, but it goes straight on. Markram lets it go. Once again, Starc is a bit frustrated with the landing area.

4.3: Mitchell Starc to Aiden Markram, Slightly back of a length, on off, Markram solidly punches it to covers.

4.2: Mitchell Starc to Aiden Markram, Brings the angle into the batter, full in length, Markram pushes at it, gets an inside edge and the ball rolls to the left of deep fine leg. Josh Hazlewood covers a lot of ground in the deep and mops it up as the ball slows down. Two runs taken.

4.1: Mitchell Starc to Aiden Markram, Steams in from around the stumps. Bowls a length ball with a scrambled seam, outside off, Aiden offers no shot.

It has started to drizzle, but it is that misty kind, so nothing to worry about as of now, though it has gotten darker.

3.6: Josh Hazlewood to Marques Ackerman, Full at 137.5 kph, outside off. Left alone.

3.5: Josh Hazlewood to Marques Ackerman, A little hint of an inward shape on this one, touch full on the stumps, Marques lets the ball curve and then defends it with a straight bat.

3.4: Josh Hazlewood to Marques Ackerman, On that bail-trimming length, on the off stump, Marques rocks back and dabs it to gully.

3.3: Josh Hazlewood to Marques Ackerman, Bashes the length hard, does Hazlewood, angling it away from the batter. Marques shoulders arms.

3.2: Josh Hazlewood to Marques Ackerman, On the stumps, on a length, Ackerman punches it to the cover region.

3.1: Josh Hazlewood to Marques Ackerman, Nipping in from a length, around off, Marques Ackerman hops off to block but gets an inside edge onto the thigh pad.

2.6: Mitchell Starc to Aiden Markram, Short of a length, outside off, Aiden lets it pass through.

The floodlights are starting to come on.

2.5: Mitchell Starc to Aiden Markram, FOUR! A glorious shot to get off the mark! Starc pushes it outside off, on a fullish length, Aiden Markram gets on the front foot, keeps his shape intact and his head stable. Creams the drive through covers for a boundary.

2.4: Mitchell Starc to Aiden Markram, In-between length, on middle, Aiden Markram hangs back and knocks it to cover-point.

2.3: Mitchell Starc to Aiden Markram, A bit too full, outside off, Aiden goes for a cover drive, but hits it off the inner half of the bat to Cummins at mid off.

2.2: Mitchell Starc to Aiden Markram, Full and slanting across the right-hander, outside off, Markram isn't interested to play at it.

Halt! The covers placed beyond the straight boundary seem to be fluttering, and that has put Aiden Markram off. Nathan Lyon, on the sidelines, helps to flatten them down.

2.1: Mitchell Starc to Aiden Markram, On middle on a good length, Aiden gets a bit squared up while looking to block off the back foot. Gets a thickish outside edge as the ball rolls to gully. Marnus Labuschagne there, dives to his right and makes a sharp stop.

1.6: Josh Hazlewood to Marques Ackerman, Attacks the stumps, slightly full and nipping in, Marques blocks it back to the bowler.

1.5: Josh Hazlewood to Marques Ackerman, Angling away once again, full in length, wide outside off. Marques lets it through.

1.4: Josh Hazlewood to Marques Ackerman, A bit fuller now, around off, Marques Ackerman offers no shot.

1.3: Josh Hazlewood to Marques Ackerman, Good-length delivery, jagging in with bounce, Marques Ackerman makes a close leave.

1.2: Josh Hazlewood to Marques Ackerman, Tight on the stumps, on a good length, nipping back in. Marques Ackerman gets up on his toes and looks to block but gets beaten on the inside edge and wears it on the thigh pad.The ball goes on the bounce to third slip.

1.1: Josh Hazlewood to Marques Ackerman, Starts with a bit of a wayward delivery. Bangs it short but down the leg stump. Marques gets across, tries to glance but misses. And straightaway, Hazlewood too, looks at the landing area.

Mitchell Starc was not happy with the landing area in that over, and a member of the ground staff sprints out with sawdust. Josh Hazlewood will operate from the other end. He is also starting with three slips, a gully and a short leg.Opening for the first time in his red-ball career, and doing it on debut, Marques Ackerman has a big challenge on his hands.

0.6: Mitchell Starc to Aiden Markram, Full and wide outside off, Markram is happy to let it go.

0.5: Mitchell Starc to Aiden Markram, Back of a length, angling away, Markram rides the bounce and punches it to short cover.

Chris Gaffaney was scheduled to umpire in this game but has fallen ill. He has been replaced by Arno Jacobs. We wish him a speedy recovery.

0.4: Mitchell Starc to Aiden Markram, Fuller and straighter, on off, Markram presses forward and blocks.

0.3: Mitchell Starc to Aiden Markram, Far outside off, very full and going straight on, Aiden leaves it alone.

0.2: Mitchell Starc to Aiden Markram, Hits the length hard, on middle and leg, Markram hangs back and defends it down the pitch.

0.1: Mitchell Starc to Aiden Markram, Starts with a full delivery from over the stumps. A little bit of an away shape, outside off, Markram watches it closely and leaves.

It is a lively atmosphere at St George's Park, and we are ready to get underway. Pat Cummins has his men in a huddle for one final word before they take the field. Former Proteas legend Makhaya Ntini rings the bell to signify the start of play.It is a new opening combination for South Africa as Aiden Markram walks out to open the innings alongside the debutant Marques Ackerman. Mitchell Starc has the red cherry in hand and is ready at the top of his mark. The left-arm quick is 2 wickets away from 450 scalps in Tests. Markram to face the first ball. Three slips, a gully and a short leg in place. Let's go...

We are moments away from the first ball, but before that, Temba Bavuma and Pat Cummins lead their respective sides out for the national anthems. It will be Australia's national anthem first, followed by that of South Africa.

9.19 am GMT -Right, we have a start time. Play will commence at 10 am GMT. It will be a 90-minute first session, with the second session commencing at 12.10 pm GMT and running until 2.10 pm GMT.The third session will be another 90-minute session, running from 2.30 pm to 4 pm GMT. 75 overs are to be bowled in the day, but all of that is, of course, weather and light permitting.Not starting immediately suggests that there are still some concerns about the dampness of the outfield, but at least we have a start time, and let’s hope the rain stays away.

9.07 am GMT -The strip has been uncovered, and the light has improved considerably, possibly the best it has been all day. The ground staff are running a rope around the outfield to mop up any excess moisture. These are all promising signs as we build up towards the inspection, which is less than 10 minutes away.

8.48 am GMT-Good news! The rain has relented, and it has gotten slightly brighter as well. Only the square was covered, so the outfield will need time to get ready, and the water that has collected on the covers must be cleared before they can be removed.The match officials came out for a quick look, but they have decided to hold another inspection at 9.15 am GMT.

8.36 am GMT-Nothing new to report from Gqeberha. It's still raining very heavily and the forecast too, isn't looking promising for the rest of the day. For now, we keep waiting. Fingers crossed.

Aiden Markram has a chat with Natalie Germanos-Markram says the preparations have been good coming into this match. Shares that they have had a couple of productive sessions as well. He also feels that the extra day has made a big difference for the South Africa camp.The preparation, he says, has gone really well. Details that the weather has been wonderful in the build-up, though it does not look all that great at the moment.On how the surface might behave, he notes that it is something the side will have to assess in the moment, getting a feel for it in the first few overs and shaping their plans from there. He does not want the team walking in with preconceived ideas.Also says that there is a general understanding of how the wicket plays in Port Elizabeth, which stays at the back of the mind, but with the weather around and a really warm build-up, making those calls is tricky. Ultimately, he says, it will all be decided out in the middle.Markram even confesses that he spent some time thinking about it in bed last night and could not recall much about how the wicket plays here. What he does know is that he enjoys playing cricket in any format, for any team, and the stadium usually brings good fun and good energy. Adds that he and the boys are looking forward to it and are really hungry to land a good result over the next five days.Reflecting on the previous game, Markram credits Australia for starting well, something South Africa have not always managed in recent times. He admits they can be slow starters, though he was impressed with the start his side made this time. Accepts that the opposition played nicely with the ball going a bit softer, and that they produced better cricket for longer periods.Mentions that South Africa showed glimpses of organised, quality play but could not stretch it far enough to put pressure back on them.That, he says, is what it ultimately comes down to. He does not believe a new skill set can be developed in three days. Talks about the plan being to back what has got them here, back the methods they feel can bring success on this ground, and sustain that for really long periods of play. If they manage that, Markram feels they give themselves a good chance.

8.10 am GMT -Unfortunately, the rain has picked up in intensity, and it is all looking gloomy at the moment. On the grass banks, given the rain forecast, all those who came prepared with their tents are putting them to good use.As we wait for the situation to improve at St George’s Park, you can switch tabs and follow the action from the Tri-Series opener in Rawalpindi, where Pakistan and Sri Lanka are locking horns.

In conversation with Steve Smith -Mark Howard caught up with the Aussie stalwart a little while ago. Smith reckons there could be plenty in the surface early on, with a bit of grass and moisture making life tricky for the batters. He was surprised to learn that the groundsman prefers to leave some moisture in the pitch early on and that hessian covers, which help protect the surface, are used only for ODIs.He also feels the grass is standing up more than it was a couple of days ago, which could make the opening exchanges challenging for the batters. Having never played here at this time of the year, Smith points out that the square is usually much drier in February and March, offering more assistance to spin. With more rain forecast and potentially less foot traffic on the pitch, he expects spin to play a smaller role than it traditionally does at St George’s Park.

7.58 am GMT -The drizzle continues steadily at St George’s Park, and every extra minute of waiting will add to the nerves for debutant Marques Ackerman.A middle-order batter by trade, Ackerman now has the responsibility of opening the innings, and he could hardly have asked for a more testing introduction against Australia’s four-pronged pace attack.

7.40 am GMT -Oh, no! The drizzle has returned, and the covers are back on. It is going to be one of those stop-start days, which makes the job harder as a batting side. As bowlers, you do get some rest between the breaks, but rhythm can be hard to find.The drizzle is not heavy, but with no wind to blow it away, the rain could be here to stay.

Australia (Playing XI) - Nic Maddinson, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Matt Renshaw, Alex Carey (WK), Beau Webster, Pat Cummins (C), Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Scott Boland (In for Nathan Lyon).

South Africa (Playing XI) - Aiden Markram, Marques Ackerman (On Test debut) (In for Tristan Stubbs), David Bedingham, Temba Bavuma (C), Matthew Breetzke (In for Kyle Verreynne), Ryan Rickelton (WK), Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Simon Harmer, Anrich Nortje, and Kagiso Rabada (In for Keshav Maharaj).

The captain of South Africa -Temba Bavuma admits they were undecided on what to do, but the decision has now been taken out of their hands. With the surface looking quite moist, he expects a tough morning and says his side will have to fight it out.Informs that Marques Ackerman will make his debut and will open with Aiden Markram. Kagiso Rabada and Matthew Breetzke also come into the side.Bavuma also explains that they have gone in with just one spinner, Simon Harmer, as they do not expect the conditions to offer much assistance to the spinners.Mentions that every game is important, but this one carries a little more weight as they look to keep the series alive.

The captain of Australia -Pat Cummins says there's a little bit of cloud cover and the pitch looks pretty good. Informs that they have got one change in the side, with Nathan Lyon making way for Scott Boland. On being asked about the reason for that change, Cummins puts it down to the conditions favouring the seamers a bit more. Calls Boland a genuine wicket-taker as well. Also says that when there is anything in the wicket, he (Boland) gets the ball to talk.Mentions that they had a great win last week, but still stresses a couple of areas to improve on. Ends by saying that winning the series on foreign soil is never easy but mentions that they are in a great position, being 1-0 up in the series. States that they will give their best shot to win this one.