Heavy rain in Hobart forced play to be abandoned on day two without a ball being bowled.

Australia will probably hope this trend continues, as they have it all to do after a dominant day-one display by the Proteas, that saw them finish the day on 171-5, 86 runs ahead of their opponents.

Despite the weather forecast suggesting that rain would force most of day one off, over 87 overs were bowled. All the rain was saved for day two instead, as there was light but persistent rain in the morning, followed by more heavier showers later on in the day.

Once puddles formed on the covers it was always going to take at least 90 minutes to get things in order, and eventually the umpires called it. It means that play over the remaining three days will start half an hour earlier at 10am local time, 1am SA time.

Presuming rain doesn’t continue to dominate proceedings, the Proteas will still feel very confident of pulling off a victory and taking the series.

Building up a huge first-innings total will be the order of the day in the morning session at the Bellerive Oval on Monday, thanks largely to Vernon Philander’s exploits with the ball. He took 5-21 to see the Australians skittled for 85. It was his first five-wicket haul for almost four years.

It was Australia’s lowest total at home since their 76 at Perth against West Indies in 1984, and it was their third-lowest total of all time against the South Africans.

To read yesterday’s report, click here.

Photo: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images