SA vs AUS 2nd Test: Match start delayed due to rain as Australia opt to bowl

8.10 am GMT - Unfortunately, the rain has picked up in intensity, and it is all looking gloomy at the moment. On the grass banks, given the rain forecast, all those who came prepared with their tents are putting them to good use.

In conversation with Steve Smith - Mark Howard caught up with the Aussie stalwart a little while ago. Smith reckons there could be plenty in the surface early on, with a bit of grass and moisture making life tricky for the batters. He was surprised to learn that the groundsman prefers to leave some moisture in the pitch early on and that hessian covers, which help protect the surface, are used only for ODIs. He also feels the grass is standing up more than it was a couple of days ago, which could make the opening exchanges challenging for the batters. Having never played here at this time of the year, Smith points out that the square is usually much drier in February and March, offering more assistance to spin. With more rain forecast and potentially less foot traffic on the pitch, he expects spin to play a smaller role than it traditionally does at St George’s Park.

7.40 am GMT - Oh, no! The drizzle has returned, and the covers are back on. It is going to be one of those stop-start days, which makes the job harder as a batting side. As bowlers, you do get some rest between the breaks, but rhythm can be hard to find. The drizzle is not heavy, but with no wind to blow it away, the rain could be here to stay.

The captain of South Africa - Temba Bavuma admits they were undecided on what to do, but the decision has now been taken out of their hands. With the surface looking quite moist, he expects a tough morning and says his side will have to fight it out. Informs that Marques Ackerman will make his debut and will open with Aiden Markram. Kagiso Rabada and Matthew Breetzke also come into the side. Bavuma also explains that they have gone in with just one spinner, Simon Harmer, as they do not expect the conditions to offer much assistance to the spinners. Mentions that every game is important, but this one carries a little more weight as they look to keep the series alive.

The captain of Australia - Pat Cummins says there's a little bit of cloud cover and the pitch looks pretty good. Informs that they have got one change in the side, with Nathan Lyon making way for Scott Boland. On being asked about the reason for that change, Cummins puts it down to the conditions favouring the seamers a bit more. Calls Boland a genuine wicket-taker as well. Also says that when there is anything in the wicket, he (Boland) gets the ball to talk. Mentions that they had a great win last week, but still stresses a couple of areas to improve on. Ends by saying that winning the series on foreign soil is never easy but mentions that they are in a great position, being 1-0 up in the series. States that they will give their best shot to win this one.