South Africa face a huge task to get the win in the second test against Australia after day one at St George’s Park in Gqeberha was almost washed out on Sunday.
Just 12.2 overs were possible and the Proteas limped to 20-2 when rain ended play for the day in the early hours of the afternoon.
Captain Temba Bavuma, unbeaten on four, and debutant Marques Ackerman, who opened and battled to five off 32 balls, will resume on day two with more rain forecast for the morning before conditions improve.
A positive result is vital for South Africa to keep the series alive after Australia’s 214-run win in Durban, with the third test due in Cape Town from 27-31 October.
Australia won the toss and elected to bowl, but rain delayed the start until noon.
Only 5.3 overs were possible before lunch, with South Africa 11-0.
After the break Scott Boland struck twice in his second over, the ninth of the innings.
He bowled Aiden Markram for 11 with a wobble-seam delivery that nipped back to clip middle stump, then had David Bedingham caught behind first ball with one that moved away.
South Africa added eight more runs before rain returned and forced an early tea, with stumps called soon after 4pm.
