South Africa vs Australia 2nd Test 2026 Live Updates and Scorecard from Gqeberha
Match Overview: South Africa vs Australia 2nd Test at St George's Park
The second Test between South Africa and Australia is underway at St George's Park, Gqeberha. Australia leads the three-match series 1-0 after a commanding 214-run victory in Durban. South Africa needs a strong performance here to level the series.
Toss and Playing Conditions
- Venue: St George's Park, Gqeberha
- Captains: Temba Bavuma (South Africa), Pat Cummins (Australia)
- Toss Result: Australia won the toss and elected to field first
- Umpires: Chris Gaffaney and Richard Illingworth on-field; Richard Kettleborough third umpire; Arno Jacobs reserve umpire; Javagal Srinath match referee
- Live Telecast: SuperSport Cricket & SABC 3 (South Africa), Fox Sports & Kayo Sports (Australia), Fancode (India)
Day 1 Recap
Persistent rain wiped out most of Day 1. South Africa was 20/2 in 11.5 overs when play was called off. Scott Boland made an impact with a double-strike in the 9th over, removing Aiden Markram and David Bedingham consecutively.
Earlier, South Africa’s openers held steady despite Australia's lack of swing or seam movement on a flat pitch. Rain interrupted at 12:27 PM, leading to an early lunch at 12:37 PM. Debutant Marques Ackerman received warm applause as he left the field.
By 1:00 PM, weather improved with clear skies, and ground staff removed covers quickly, preparing for an extended afternoon session.
Team Changes and Squad News
- South Africa: Tristan Stubbs dropped, Matthew Breetzke added; Kagiso Rabada returns after hamstring injury; Ryan Rickelton takes wicketkeeping duties.
- Australia: Steve Smith cleared concussion tests and retained; Cameron Green out with abdominal strain; Josh Inglis back after finger fracture; Nathan Lyon rested; Scott Boland replaces him.
Win Probability
- Australia: 39%
- South Africa: 42%
- Draw: 19%
Playing XIs
- South Africa: Aiden Markram, Marques Ackerman, David Bedingham, Temba Bavuma (c), Matthew Breetzke, Wiaan Mulder, Ryan Rickleton (wk), Marco Jansen, Simon Harmer, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje
- Australia: Travis Head, Nic Maddinson, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Matthew Renshaw, Alex Carey (wk), Beau Webster, Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland, Josh Hazlewood
Test Series Schedule
- 1st Test: Oct 9-13, Kingsmead, Durban, 1:00 p.m. IST
- 2nd Test: Oct 18-22, St George's Park, Gqeberha, 1:30 p.m. IST
- 3rd Test: Oct 27-31, Newlands, Cape Town, 1:00 p.m. IST
Match Updates
Follow ball-by-ball updates and key commentary for this Test as it unfolds. The weather remains a factor with some rain expected on the first two days, potentially impacting playing time.
