Rain halts play in South Africa-Australia test as hosts struggle early

Heavy rain prevented an early resumption of play at St George's Park in Gqeberha as the second test between South Africa and Australia got underway on its second day Monday. The weather interruption came after a frustratingly brief opening day for South African batsmen, who managed just an hour at the crease before conditions became untenable. The home team's innings stuttered to a halt at 20 runs for the loss of two wickets following the abbreviated Sunday session. The rain-affected start raised concerns about further disruptions to the match schedule in what is proving a weather-marred test in the Eastern Cape coastal city. Both teams will be hoping for improved conditions to allow meaningful progress through the contest as South Africa look to build on their overnight platform.