Boland backs Australia to win Gqeberha Test despite rain delays
Synopsis
Rain has swallowed most of the first two days of the Gqeberha Test, but Scott Boland — already with four wickets to his name — insists around 300 overs remain for Australia to complete the job. With South Africa five down and legends Mark Waugh and Kerry O'Keeffe tracking pitch conditions closely, the match is finely poised heading into Day 3.
Key Takeaways
Scott Boland took 4 wickets in the first two rain-interrupted days of the second Test at St George's Park, Gqeberha .
Only 12.2 overs were possible on Day 1 and 30.4 overs on Day 2 due to persistent rain.
South Africa ended Day 2 at 97 for 5 , with captain Temba Bavuma (41) and Wiaan Mulder (2) unbeaten.
Boland estimated roughly 300 overs of play remain, backing Australia to still push for a win.
Mark Waugh suggested a South Africa total of 180 and an Australia reply of 300 could set up a result.
Kerry O'Keeffe flagged pitch unpredictability after days under covers as the key variable.
Australia fast bowler Scott Boland expressed confidence on 20 October that the tourists can still push for a series victory in the second Test against South Africa at St George's Park in Gqeberha, even after persistent rain wiped out large portions of the first two days of play.
Rain Disrupts Opening Two Days
Just 12.2 overs were possible on the opening day, with a further 30.4 overs bowled on Day 2 before weather again forced players off the field. South Africa began the second day in a precarious position at 97 for 5, with captain Temba Bavuma on 41 and Wiaan Mulder on 2 at the crease.
Boland's Assessment Ahead of Day 3
Boland, who claimed four wickets across the first two days, remained bullish about Australia's prospects before the start of the third day's play. 'Yeah, that's still going to be close to 300 overs in the game that's left. So I think there's still plenty of time. We're in a decent position so far, but everyone always says never judge a wicket till both teams have batted. So hopefully we can get batting, and our batters can get in and get a decent total,' the fast bowler said.
Waugh and O'Keeffe Weigh In
Australia legend Mark Waugh echoed that optimism, outlining a plausible path to a win. 'I think (Australia) can (win). I mean, if South Africa are bowled out for 180 and Australia make 300, which is possible, but it depends on these last five wickets and how long South Africa hang around,' Waugh said, according to cricket.com.au. He added: 'They've got a bit of batting to come...but I think there's time and there's enough in this pitch for some wickets to fall quickly.'
Former Australia all-rounder Kerry O'Keeffe was more cautious, pointing to the uncertainty around pitch conditions after extended cover. 'How much is left in this pitch? That's the big question. It's been under the covers for a couple of days,' O'Keeffe said. He noted that Nathan Lyon would be particularly keen to test the surface, while also suggesting that a South Africa total of 180 to 200-plus could be considered par given the movement on offer in the opening two days.
What the Numbers Say
With roughly 300 overs of play still theoretically available, Australia remain in contention provided the Proteas' lower order does not extend the innings significantly. The outcome of the match carries direct implications for the series heading into the third and final Test at Newlands. Notably, St George's Park pitches historically offer assistance to pace bowlers throughout a match, which could work in Australia's favour should conditions remain lively after the extended downtime under covers.
What's Next
The third day's play will be crucial — Australia need to wrap up South Africa's innings quickly and post a commanding first-innings total to keep the result in their hands. The series decider at Newlands looms, making every session at Gqeberha count.
Point of View
The Proteas would have been in serious trouble in an uninterrupted game. The real story here is whether 300 remaining overs is enough for Australia to force a result, or whether the match drifts into the draw column that the weather seems intent on scripting. With Newlands to follow, a draw in Gqeberha keeps the series level but arguably hands momentum to the home side, who have shown they can absorb pace on this track when conditions allow. Boland's confidence is credible given his form, but the pitch — having been under covers for two days — is the great unknown that even experienced observers like O'Keeffe cannot call with certainty.
NationPress
20 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current situation in the Australia vs South Africa second Test at Gqeberha?
South Africa ended Day 2 at 97 for 5, with rain having restricted play to just 12.2 overs on Day 1 and 30.4 overs on Day 2. Captain Temba Bavuma (41) and Wiaan Mulder (2) were unbeaten at the close.
How many wickets has Scott Boland taken in the Gqeberha Test?
Scott Boland took four wickets across the first two days of the second Test at St George's Park. He was confident ahead of Day 3 that Australia still had enough time to push for a win.
Can Australia still win the second Test despite the rain delays?
According to Boland, approximately 300 overs remain in the match, which he believes is sufficient time for Australia to push for a result. Mark Waugh also suggested a win was possible if South Africa are bowled out cheaply and Australia post a total around 300.
What did Kerry O'Keeffe say about the Gqeberha pitch?
Kerry O'Keeffe said the key question was how much remained in the pitch after it had been under covers for two days. He suggested a South Africa total of 180 to 200-plus could be considered par given the movement seen on Days 1 and 2.
What is at stake in the Gqeberha Test for the Australia-South Africa series?
The result in Gqeberha has direct implications for the three-match series, with the final Test scheduled at Newlands. A win for Australia would put them in a strong position heading into the decider.
