Day two of the second Test between Australia and South Africa in Hobart has been completely abandoned after constant heavy rain waterlogged Blundstone Arena.

Play was officially abandoned at 2pm local time.

South Africa reached 5-171 at stumps on day one, after dismissing Australia for just 85 in a session and a half on Saturday.

The forecast is better for the next three days, however, with play expected to resume at 10am local time on Monday.

Hobart is expecting a top of 16 tomorrow (day three), with a shower of two, while days four and five are expected to reach tops of 19 and 21 respectively, with no rain forecast.

Despite already trailing by 86 runs, Australian coach Darren Lehmann is optimistic his charges can still muster a miracle win.

"The challenge for us is to get the five wickets quickly and then bat big like they did in Perth," Lehmann said on Saturday.

"The guys are hurting and they'll come out and put on a big score I'm sure."

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