Constant rain in Hobart means play will be delayed on day two, with the rain set to get heavier later in the day.
The rain gods might just come to Australia’s aid on Sunday and they’ll be hoping that continues throughout the match, for they were thoroughly outplayed by the Proteas on a thrilling day one.
Building up a huge first-innings total would have been the order of the day in the morning session at the Bellerive Oval, but the tourists will be forced to wait, with the weather only set to get worse as the day wears on.
It was an incredible display from a Vernon Philander-inspired Proteas unit on the first day of the second Test. After their 177-run victory in Perth last week, the tourists are well-placed to wrap up the series after they skittled their opponents for 85, Australia’s third-lowest total against the Proteas.
Philander took 5-21, his first five-wicket haul since February 2013 and Kyle Abbott weighed in with three wickets of his own, with Steve Smith the lone survivor on 48 not out.
Rain was expected throughout the day but it hardly came as an almost full day of cricket was on display. While they would have been hopeful of something similar on day two, Temba Bavuma (38) and Quinton de Kock (28) will be forced to wait to continue the onslaught, after looking in good touch yesterday. Their side already boast an 86-run lead, and should they get their eye in again, the visitors should be aiming for 250-plus here, which will make it very difficult for the Australians to get back into the contest.
To read yesterday’s report, click here.
Photo: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images
