Gqeberha: Nathan Lyon walked up to Scott Boland about 45 minutes before the first ball and shook his hand, before the exchange turned into more of a hug.
In that instant, those watching closely knew that Lyon had been dropped and Boland recalled, the first time the spin bowler had been left out of a red-ball Test when fit to play in 13 years.
On a day dominated by rain sweeping through the Eastern Cape and leading to play being abandoned after just 12.2 overs with South Africa on 2-20, Lyon’s moment with Boland was heavy with meaning. As well as he had bowled in Durban, Lyon is now only ever a grassy pitch away from losing his place, largely because Boland is so skilful.
A couple of hours later, Boland showed exactly how skilful by producing the day’s other significant juncture.
Aiden Markram, who Lyon had found impassable last week, lost his middle stump as he was tempted into driving a nip-backer. Next ball, David Bedingham had reasonable cause to play a ball on a similar line, only to perish instantly when this one jagged away and took the outside edge.
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