Bavuma Holds Firm as South Africa Reach 97/5 at Stumps on Rain-Hit Day Two

South Africa closed day two of the second Test against Australia at 97 for 5 in Gqeberha, with captain Temba Bavuma unbeaten on 41 holding the innings together on another day heavily disrupted by rain.Resuming on 20 for 2 after only 12.2 overs were possible on the opening day, South Africa lost three more wickets in a gripping 30-over session as Australia’s pace attack continued to exploit helpful conditions at St George’s Park. Bavuma, batting with characteristic grit, faced 108 balls for his 41 not out, finding an ally in Wiaan Mulder, who survived a testing final over from Mitchell Starc to finish on 2.Rain once again proved the biggest obstacle to a full day’s play, with further interruptions eating into the afternoon session and the forecast for the remainder of the Test far from encouraging. Only around 43 overs have been bowled in total across the two days, with South Africa yet to complete their first innings.Australia, who won the toss and chose to bowl, hold the upper hand in a series they lead 1-0 after their 214-run victory in Durban. Scott Boland, who struck twice in two balls on day one, remains the standout with the ball, while the visitors’ all-pace attack has kept the scoring rate under two and a half runs an over.