Key events

36m agoTeams
41m agoAustralia wins toss and elects to bowl
51m agoPreamble

The South African lineup adjustments appear positive overall. Tristan Stubbs aims to establish himself in Tests amid franchise interest, yet he seemed short of pace in Durban. Breetzke impressed during the one-day series against Australia and showed strong technique plus mindset.

Ackerman boasts an impressive first-class record and deserves this opportunity. Shifting Rickelton down the order to keep wicket allows space for him after a modest showing in Durban, while Verreyne exits following poor recent form.

Rabada returns as a clear boost, though Maharaj has often troubled Australia in the past. Harmer earns another chance to prove his value on this surface.

Overall the hosts appear improved at the top, in the middle order and with the ball. Time will tell if it works, but the setup looks promising ahead of the first delivery.

With the rain interruption, the women's match timing could prove useful, offering action within minutes.

Mark Chaimungkalanont writes about the Australia-New Zealand women's T20 match starting soon.

"Another scheduling error by CA with the women's side overlapping the men's on a Sunday? Quality cricket versus NZ after the rugby loss would have been preferable to a full clash tonight. Nothing else was on last night and it would have been three days after Bangladesh."

Agreed on all points. The Australian women's schedule remains poor this season and next, crammed into October and March. CA offers many reasons involving T20 leagues and venues, yet the result feels like a return to second-class treatment. Time to fix this, CA.

Just as preparations begin for a possible start, light rain returns and covers come out once more.

The main selection question again involves the pace attack. Nathan Lyon had been a near-permanent fixture from August 2013 to July 2025, appearing in 116 Tests. He now sits out for the third time in the past eight matches he has been available. This marks a notable shift in strategy.

Scott Boland remains highly effective yet often waits on the sidelines behind the other three quicks when all are fit. His accuracy and fuller length suit this pitch, which should help him target stumps and pads, so he earns selection.

Teams

Mature-age debutant Ackerman opens the batting straight away. Steve Smith features after earlier concerns from a head knock in Durban.

South Africa
Aiden Markram
Marques Ackerman
David Bedingham
Temba Bavuma *
Matthew Breetzke
Ryan Rickelton +
Wiaan Mulder
Marco Jansen
Simon Harmer
Anrich Nortje
Kagiso Rabada

Australia
Nic Maddinson
Travis Head
Marnus Labuschagne
Steve Smith
Matt Renshaw
Alex Carey
Beau Webster
Pat Cummins
Mitchell Starc
Scott Boland
Josh Hazlewood

Australia wins the toss and bowls

Pat Cummins chooses to bowl first without hesitation, a move he makes often. He notes the damp conditions, the fresh pitch and the decision to drop the spinner for four fast bowlers, with Scott Boland replacing Nathan Lyon.

Temba Bavuma states the team was undecided but the call was made for them. Marques Ackerman debuts, Matthew Breetzke strengthens the batting and Rabada returns. Verreyne and Stubbs drop out, while Keshav Maharaj loses his spot to Simon Harmer. The off-spinner may suit the left-handers in the Australian lineup.

Left-arm spin has troubled Australia recently, making the choice notable.

Preamble

Geoff Lemon

Hello cricket fans. Expect a lively and damp start. The tom kha soup of cricket arrives shortly from Gqeberha, formerly known as Port Elizabeth.

Australia travels to South Africa for a challenging series with a strong history here. Tension remains high between the sides. Australia took the first Test in Durban despite a batting collapse on day one.

South Africa makes major changes and Rabada returns from injury. The key question is whether he can perform at full strength without setbacks. South Africa must win here to stay in the series, with World Test Championship points at stake. Shall we begin?

Geoff arrives shortly for the first session. In the meantime, recall how Australia claimed a 1-0 lead with victory on day five of the opening Test in Durban.