Australian fast bowler Scott Boland made an immediate impact in the second Test against South Africa, producing a brilliant delivery to bowl Aiden Markram at St George’s Park in Gqeberha on Sunday, October 18. The dismissal highlighted Boland’s ability to exploit even the slightest movement off the pitch and gave Australia an early breakthrough in the contest.
With Australia looking to build on their 1-0 lead in the three-match Test series, Boland’s introduction proved decisive. The experienced seamer needed little time to trouble the South African opener, whose attempt to drive a fuller delivery ended with his middle stump being knocked back.
Scott Boland removes Aiden Markram with a brilliant delivery
The dismissal came in the ninth over of South Africa’s innings, when Boland bowled a fuller delivery just outside off stump. Markram was tempted into playing an attacking drive, but the ball moved back into him just enough to take the inside edge before crashing into the stumps.
Markram departed for 11 off 28 deliveries, having struck two boundaries. The delivery was a reminder of Boland’s strength as a Test bowler: maintaining an accurate line and length while allowing the pitch to create uncertainty for the batter.
The Australian pacer did not need extravagant swing or excessive pace to produce the breakthrough. Instead, subtle seam movement and precise execution proved enough to beat Markram’s defence.
The dismissal also gave Boland his first Test wicket on South African soil, making the breakthrough particularly satisfying for the visiting team.
Here’s the video:
Boland just sent the middle stump packing! 🎯💥
Watch all the action from Australia’s Tour of South Africa LIVE on FanCode 📲 #SAvAUS #ScottBoland #AidenMarkram #TestCricket #Cricket pic.twitter.com/EFWmiqOWmm
— FanCode (@FanCode) October 18, 2026
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Boland strikes again as South Africa lose early wickets
Boland continued to trouble South Africa after removing Markram. In the same spell, he dismissed David Bedingham for a duck, with Alex Carey completing the catch behind the stumps.
Bedingham attempted to defend a delivery outside off stump, but the ball moved away slightly and found the edge. Carey made no mistake, leaving South Africa struggling at 12/2.
The double strike put Australia firmly on top during the early stages of the innings. Boland’s disciplined bowling was especially effective on a green surface that offered assistance to the seamers.
Australia captain Pat Cummins opted to bowl first after winning the toss, backing his pace attack to exploit the conditions. The decision quickly appeared justified as South Africa’s top order came under pressure.
Australia also made a significant selection decision before the match, bringing Boland into the playing XI in place of veteran spinner Nathan Lyon. It was the first time in more than 13 years that Lyon had been omitted from a daytime Test while fully fit, underlining Australia’s confidence in an all-pace attack for the conditions.
Rain interrupts the SA vs AUS second Test
The contest was also affected by persistent rain in Gqeberha, which restricted the amount of play possible on the opening day. South Africa were eventually left at 20/2 after 12.2 overs, with Boland responsible for both dismissals.
The hosts entered the second Test needing a strong response after losing the opening match in Durban by 214 runs. Australia, meanwhile, are looking to seal the series with another victory.
Boland’s early strikes gave the visitors an ideal start, although the weather interruptions meant both teams faced uncertainty over how much cricket would be possible.
