EXCLUSIVE: Alviro Petersen sees no respite for Proteas batters despite sunshine forecast in GQ

Former Proteas opener Alviro Petersen believes the conditions in Gqeberha could make for another demanding day at the crease when the second Test against Australia resumes on Day 3 at St George's Park.

Heavy rain has played a prominent role over the first two days, with only 43 overs of play possible. With the pitch covered for the majority of that period, plenty of moisture has remained below the surface, causing the grass to stand up and offer significant assistance to the seam bowlers.

Australia's Scott Boland has already profited, claiming 4/31 to reduce the Proteas to 97/5.

But although the sun is expected to appear for the first time on Tuesday, with a full day's play anticipated, Petersen feels there will be no relief for the batters.

"I think it's going to be tough because, obviously, every time you come here, there's moisture in the surface. It's almost like the grass stands up," Petersen exclusively told IOL Sport.

"And that's what the bowlers want, someone like Scott Boland, who can be compared to Vernon Philander.

"They want something where they can pitch the ball, get the seam to scramble a bit and go both ways. So I think it's going to be tough."

Petersen, who scored more than 2,000 Test runs, including five centuries, believes the adaptation is more mental than physical.

Temba Bavuma has already shown what can be achieved through mental fortitude at the crease, and Petersen feels more of that will be required from the middle and lower order if the Proteas are to post a competitive first-innings total.

"What I've seen in recent seasons is that the guys are actually reaching for it, whereas you have to go in and play the ball late," the former opener said.

"But it's difficult. It takes a while for you to really get used to the tempo and all of that, and when you feel like you can do so early on, it's going to be a real struggle."

He also believes the Proteas are in the Catch-22 situation of having to survive while simultaneously needing to take the game forward in a bid to level the series.

"If you look at the two teams, Australia and South Africa, South Africa will have two choices...

"Now the question is, how are you going to play? Are you going to try and make something happen? It's hard to say."

Play is scheduled to start at 9:45am on Tuesday, with Bavuma and Wiaan Mulder at the crease for the Proteas.