Australia vs South Africa 2nd Test 2026 Day 2 Live Updates from Gqeberha

The second Test between South Africa and Australia is underway at St George's Park in Gqeberha. Australia leads the three-match series 1-0 after a commanding 214-run win in Durban. South Africa aims to bounce back here to level the series.

Day 1 Recap

Persistent rain cut short the opening day, with play ending prematurely as South Africa was 20 for 2 in 11.5 overs. Scott Boland made an immediate impact by taking two wickets in the 9th over, removing Aiden Markram and David Bedingham on successive balls, leaving South Africa struggling early on.

Earlier, steady rain at 12:27 PM forced players off the field. Debutant Marques Ackerman waved to family before heading back. Officials called an early lunch at 12:37 PM to preserve playing time. The South African openers showed resilience despite Australian bowlers failing to find consistent swing or seam on a flat pitch.

By 1:00 PM, conditions improved as clouds cleared. Ground staff removed covers quickly, and umpires restarted the game for an extended afternoon session.

Toss and Conditions

• Toss Winner: Australia
• Decision: Field first
• Venue: St George's Park, Gqeberha
• Umpires: Chris Gaffaney, Richard Illingworth (on-field), Richard Kettleborough (third umpire), Arno Jacobs (reserve umpire)
• Match Referee: Javagal Srinath

Team Lineups

• South Africa XI: Aiden Markram, Marques Ackerman, David Bedingham, Temba Bavuma (c), Matthew Breetzke, Wiaan Mulder, Ryan Rickelton (wk), Marco Jansen, Simon Harmer, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje
• Australia XI: Travis Head, Nic Maddinson, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Matthew Renshaw, Alex Carey (wk), Beau Webster, Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland, Josh Hazlewood

Pre-Match Changes and Notes

• South Africa dropped Tristan Stubbs for Matthew Breetzke and welcomed back Kagiso Rabada after injury. Ryan Rickelton will keep wicket.
• Australia retained the winning lineup from Durban with Steve Smith passing concussion tests. Cameron Green misses out due to abdominal strain. Josh Inglis returns from a finger fracture. Nathan Lyon is rested while Scott Boland plays.
• Rain is expected to affect the first two days of the Test.

Win Probability

• Australia: 39%
• South Africa: 42%
• Draw: 19%

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

Broadcast Information

Live coverage is available on SuperSport Cricket and SABC 3 in South Africa, Fox Sports and Kayo Sports in Australia, and Fancode in India.

Stay tuned for ball-by-ball updates and detailed commentary as the match progresses.