Australia drop Lyon with Boland named in all-seam attack

Australia have dropped spinner Nathan Lyon for a red-ball Test for the first time in 13 years, opting for an all-pace bowling attack against South Africa in Gqeberha. Captain Pat Cummins elected to bowl first after rain cleared ahead of the toss for the second Test, introducing seamer Scott Boland into the side under overcast skies on a green surface.

South Africa also made major adjustments to their lineup, omitting spinner Keshav Maharaj and recalling fast bowler Kagiso Rabada for his first match since May. The hosts handed a Test debut to Marques Ackerman as an opening batter, while Ryan Rickelton took over wicketkeeping duties following the omission of Kyle Verreynne and Tristan Stubbs.