10/18/2026 06:27:00
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10/18 06:25 CDT South Africa unbeaten on 11-0 vs Australia as rain stops play
on day 1 of 2nd test
South Africa unbeaten on 11-0 vs Australia as rain stops play on day 1 of 2nd
test
GQEBERHA, South Africa (AP) --- A delayed start was further hampered by rain as
lunch was taken on day one of the second cricket test between South Africa and
Australia on Sunday.
South Africa was 11-0 with only 5.3 overs possible, after play was delayed by
nearly two hours as the morning session was hampered by rain.
Aiden Markram was 10 not out while debutant Marques Ackerman (1 not out) opened
his account.
Earlier, Australia won the toss and opted to bowl.
Australia won the first test in Durban by 214 runs and leads the three-match
series 1-0.
South Africa is the current world test champion and both teams have an eye on
the 2027 final. Australia maintained its position at the top of the current
standings, while the Proteas slipped to third after the defeat in Durban. New
Zealand is currently second.
The hosts made three changes from the first test with pacer Kagiso Rabada, who
has recovered from a hamstring injury, returning to the playing eleven after
missing out in Durban.
Wicketkeeper-batter Kyle Verreyne, batsman Tristan Stubbs and left-arm spinner
Keshav Maharaj were all left out. Ryan Rickelton will keep wicket and bat in
the middle order.
Matthew Breetzke was included to bolster the batting line-up, while Ackerman
made his test debut.
Australia made one change as off-spinner Nathan Lyon is left out in favor of
pacer Scott Boland.
Prevailing conditions at St. George's Park influenced the team selections for
both sides. The first two days are likely to feature weather interruptions and
damp conditions suited to bowlers. There is grass on the pitch as well, making
batting difficult throughout the test.
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