Table of Contents
South Africa have made one change to their squad for the second Test against Australia, with Matthew Breetzke replacing Tristan Stubbs ahead of the match in Gqeberha.
Ryan Rickelton will also take over wicketkeeping duties for the second Test, giving the team management another selection decision to consider ahead of the match. The contest begins on Sunday, October 18, at St George’s Park, with South Africa aiming to level the three-match series.
Tristan Stubbs dropped as South Africa add Matthew Breetzke for 2nd Australia Test
The South African selection panel has named a 17-player squad for the second Test, making one change after their defeat in Durban. Breetzke comes into the group in place of Stubbs, who has been left out following the opening match.
The hosts faced a crushing 214-run loss in the first Test against the Aussies. South Africa were bowled out for 284 in their first innings, with David Bedingham top-scoring with 49, followed by Tristan Stubbs (32), Wiaan Mulder (30) and Keshav Maharaj (34). Mitchell Starc took two wickets for Australia, while Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon also contributed with the ball.
Australia responded with 314/6 declared, taking a 30-run first-innings lead. Matt Renshaw scored 82, while Nic Maddinson contributed 48 off 38 balls on his Test return. South Africa then made 206 in their second innings, with Aiden Markram scoring 75 and Bedingham adding 46. Australia therefore held a 1-0 lead in the three-match series ahead of the second Test in Gqeberha.
Breetzke’s inclusion comes after previous opportunities in the Test setup, including appearances in Bangladesh and Zimbabwe. His recent one-day form has also strengthened his case for selection. Meanwhile, Tony de Zorzi remains unavailable as he continues recovering from a left hamstring injury.
South Africa Test squad for 2nd match against Australia
Temba Bavuma (captain), Marques Ackerman, David Bedingham, Corbin Bosch, Matthew Breetzke, Gerald Coetzee, Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Anrich Nortje, Dane Paterson, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Kyle Verreynne.
Shukri Conrad breaks silence on Tristan Stubbs' axing
South Africa head coach Shukri Conrad explained that Breetzke’s recent form, previous experience and character worked in his favour. He also confirmed that Rickelton would keep wickets, although his batting position remained under discussion.
"One change to the squad in that Tristan Stubbs unfortunately misses out and Matthew Breetzke replaces him. Matt's obviously been part of the squad before where he played the one test match in Bangladesh and had another go in Zimbabwe. The fact that he's 50 and his ODI form is as hot as it is, gave him an inside lane and also more importantly the attitude and the character that Matt brings and has.
"I think that will go a long way and the other noteworthy news would be that Ryan Rickleton will be taking the gloves in the second test. Obviously with Rick's taking the gloves, there are obviously decisions to be made whether he moves down the order or whether he can continue to open the batting and take the gloves. So those are some of the conversations."
Conrad added that the final playing XI would depend partly on conditions and the weather forecast, which was not promising for the opening day. South Africa will assess those factors before making their final selection.
"We'll obviously have a look at what the conditions are like. The weather forecast isn't great for day one, so a few things to consider before we look at that final 11. But we're hell of excited. We've got an opportunity, um, we've had the opportunity to lick our wounds and make sure we turn this ship in the right direction now and no better place to start than Gqeberha."
Also Read: Cameron Green injury update: All-rounder doubtful for 2nd Test vs South Africa
