Temba Bavuma stands firm but Australia take another three Proteas scalps

The home side went to stumps with Bavuma 41 not out after only 30.4 overs were possible in Gqeberha after heavy rain and a wet outfield saw play only start at 15:45 local time.

After resuming on 20-2 after 12.2 overs after another rain-shortened first day, the Proteas lost debutant Marques Ackerman, caught behind off seamer Scott Boland who picked up his third wicket of the innings with the left-handed batter out for 6 from 38 balls.

Matthew Breetzke walked to the crease after being jettisoned into the Proteas team after the first Test defeat, but only lasted 17 deliveries to score 4 before playing a loose stroke off left-arm paceman Mitchell Starc to be caught by wicketkeeper Alex Carey.

The Proteas were in deep trouble at 40-4 but Bavuma and wicketkeeper Ryan Rickelton stitched together a 52-run partnership for the fifth wicket, showing good battling characteristics, although Ricketon was dropped by Marnus Labuschagne when on 26.

The spilling of a fairly simple opportunity did not cost Australia too much though as Boland once again proved to be a thorn as the seamer had Rickelton (31) brilliantly caught at first slip by Matt Renshaw, taking a spectacular one-handed catch diving to his right.

Bavuma was showing excellent application and and sound technical capabilities to battle the world-class Australia bowling attack, and the skipper will carry the hopes of nation on his shoulders when he resumes on day three.