After Sunday’s opening day was reduced to just 12.2 overs, South Africa resumed on Monday morning’s interrupted innings on 20/2. Scott Boland had already made his presence felt with a double strike, dismissing Aiden Markram and David Bedingham with consecutive deliveries before the weather forced an early end to the day’s proceedings.

The Eastern Cape weather continued to frustrate players and spectators on day two, with persistent rain restricting the action to just 30.4 overs. Play eventually got underway at 15:45, with only 30 overs initially scheduled as fading light threatened to bring another premature end to proceedings.

Scott Boland has already taken four of the five South African wickets. Photo: Cricinfo

By stumps, the Proteas had inched their way to 97/5, with captain Temba Bavuma digging in to provide some much-needed resistance against an Australian attack that continued to exploit the conditions.

Bavuma was unbeaten on 41, while Ryan Rickelton made a valuable contribution of 31 before becoming Boland’s fourth victim of the innings. With the ball moving around and scoring opportunities at a premium, the pair were forced to show patience and determination in difficult batting conditions.

Proteas batting coach Ashwell Prince believes the challenges facing the team are precisely what make Test cricket such a compelling format.

“There’s a reason why it’s called Test cricket. At the end of the day, it challenges all your skills – technical, mental, and temperament,” said Prince, who scored 41.64 runs per innings on average during his 66 Tests for South Africa.

“It may be a little early in the summer, but that’s why we love this format of the game, because it tests absolutely everything about you.

“When you’re faced with those situations, you want people to stand up. At the moment, the skipper is out there digging deep and standing up. Long may it continue tomorrow, and hopefully he’ll have a few partners digging in with him.

Play was eventually possible at 15:45 on Monday. Photo: Cricinfo

“The calendar is full these days with all the different formats, so playing in October is perhaps a little earlier in the season than we’re used to. However, it’s presenting a good challenge and an opportunity for people to make a name for themselves.”

Despite the significant loss of playing time, Prince believes the contest remains wide open, with South Africa still needing to produce a disciplined performance with the ball when their turn comes to bowl at Australia.

“We still have to bowl as well, and the ball is moving around. I think it will continue to do so as the Test match progresses,” he added.

Ryan Rickelton and Temba Bavuma. Photo: Cricinfo

“There are already some divots developing on the surface, with the weather conditions before the match and the moisture and rain during the game perhaps leaving the pitch a bit softer than usual.

“If the sun comes out, the surface might firm up, and the ball could move around a little faster. We don’t know, though. You can only really tell what a pitch is doing once both teams have batted.

“I think there’s still quite a bit of time left in the game, so anything is still possible.”

Marques Ackerman scored six on debut before becoming another victim of Scott Boland. Photo: Cricinfo

With the weather continuing to dictate the pace of the contest, the Proteas will hope for a longer uninterrupted spell at the crease on Tuesday, with Bavuma carrying the responsibility of steering South Africa towards a more competitive first-innings total.

Play at St George’s Park is scheduled to resume at 9:45 on Tuesday morning.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cvs