Scott Boland delivered a standout performance as Australia applied pressure on South Africa during the second Test at St George’s Park in Gqeberha on Monday. Taking four wickets for 31 runs, Boland helped reduce the home side to 97 for five following two rain-affected days of play.

Boland, 37, has limited opportunities to bowl in Test matches due to the presence of Australia’s leading fast bowlers, including captain Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood, all of whom rank among the top ten in the world Test bowling standings. Despite not having featured in a first-class match since March and last playing a Test in January, Boland maintained his sharpness through focused practice before and during the tour in South Africa.

“I like to play every game I can,” Boland said, adding that his approach is to quickly establish his line and length once given the chance. This strategy yielded early rewards as he took two wickets on the opening day, restricting South Africa to 20 for two amid rain disruptions that delayed play by six hours on Monday morning.

Boland struck again shortly before the close of play, using consistent accuracy to trouble the world Test champions who were aiming to bounce back after a 214-run defeat in the opening Test in Durban. South African batting coach Ashwell Prince praised Boland’s precision, comparing him to former South African pacer Vernon Philander due to his ability to bowl consistently on or just outside the top of the stumps, creating uncertainty for the batsmen.

Despite South Africa’s difficult position, Prince expressed confidence in his team’s bowling unit, citing the movement of the ball and the soft, worn pitch as factors that could help the home side’s bowlers pose similar challenges to the Australians.

Following a slow start to the day, Boland removed debutant Marques Ackerman early by having him caught behind for six. Ackerman edged a delivery from around the wicket that seamed away from the bat. Shortly after, Matthew Breetzke, another newcomer brought in to strengthen South Africa’s batting, was dismissed for four after edging to second slip off Starc.

South Africa’s batsmen showed some resistance thereafter, with Ryan Rickelton adding 31 runs before falling to a remarkable one-handed catch at first slip by Australian batsman Matt Renshaw off Boland’s bowling shortly before stumps. The South African innings now faces a crucial test as they look to recover from their precarious position in the three-match series.