Rain delays start of final day of South Africa-Australia test

Rain delayed the start of play on the last day ​of the second test with South Africa ‌needing six wickets against Australia to level the three-match series at St George’s Park on Thursday.

• Early lunch was taken ​after several abortive efforts to get play ​under way, leaving South Africa with only ⁠two sessions to try and force ​a result as Australia trail by 170 runs ​at 156-4 in their second innings after being forced to follow-on.
• Play is set to resume at noon local ​time (1000 GMT).
• Travis Head on 87 and nightwatchman ​Scott Boland (2) will resume the tourists' efforts at holding out ‌while ⁠Steve Smith is available after a neck issue restricted him on Wednesday, when he batted with obvious discomfort but still top scored ​for Australia with 28 in ​their first ⁠innings of 99 and reached the milestone of 11,000 career test ​runs.
• Smith did not come out to ​bat ⁠in his regular No. 4 spot in the second innings, staying in the changing room ⁠receiving ​treatment, but on Thursday ​morning he warmed up with the rest of the team.