Scott Boland, included in the playing XI in place of spinner Nathan Lyon, made the most of the favourable conditions. The Australian fast bowler delivered two crucial blows by dismissing both South African opening batters, putting the hosts on the back foot early in the match. South Africa, who lost the first Test in Durban by 214 runs, found themselves facing early difficulties once again.
South Africa made three changes to their playing XI for the second Test. Thirty-year-old Marcus Ackerman was handed his Test debut, while Kagiso Rabada and Matthew Breetzke returned to the side. The team is looking to draw on its experience to secure a victory in the second match.
The contest has also drawn attention because of the age profile of both teams. South Africa have fielded eight players aged 30 or above in a Test match for the first time in 102 years. The last time the country fielded eight players aged 30-plus in a red-ball match was in 1924. The experienced lineup reflects the team's approach as it seeks to respond after its heavy defeat in the opening Test.
Australia, meanwhile, have taken the age trend even further, with all 11 players in their playing XI aged 30 or above. Matt Renshaw, at 30, is the youngest member of the Australian side, while Steve Smith and Scott Boland, both 37, are the oldest.
For South Africa, 37-year-old Simon Harmer is the oldest player in the team, while 26-year-old Marco Jansen is the youngest. Across both sides, a total of 19 players aged 30 or above are taking part in the match.
Only once in Test history have more players aged 30 or above featured in a match: 20 players in the England-Australia contest in 1926. With rain severely limiting the opening day's action, the second Test has already become notable for its unusually experienced lineups, while Boland's early strikes have given Australia an important advantage.
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