South Africa have made a change to their squad ahead of the second Test against Australia, with Matthew Breetzke replacing Tristan Stubbs in the 17-player group announced by Cricket South Africa on Thursday.
The Proteas will also make a change behind the stumps, with Ryan Rickelton confirmed to take over the wicketkeeping duties for the match beginning on Sunday, 18 October, at St George’s Park in Gqeberha.
The changes come after South Africa suffered a disappointing 214-run defeat in the opening Test at Kingsmead in Durban, leaving the World Test Champions trailing 1-0 in the three-match series.
Breetzke comes in as Stubbs misses out
Breetzke’s inclusion is the only change to the 17-player squad that was selected for the first Test.
The Warriors batter replaces Stubbs, who batted at No.5 in Durban, as South Africa look to respond to their defeat.
The decision comes after Proteas captain Temba Bavuma acknowledged that the team’s batting performance had fallen short of expectations during the opening Test.
Speaking after the defeat, Bavuma admitted that South Africa had failed to handle pressure at important moments.
“Yes, you can never really prepare for Test cricket without playing Test cricket, but I think a lot of the mistakes we made out there were mental, you know, so I think that’s where we really, really let ourselves down.”
Bavuma also highlighted the need for batters to convert their starts into substantial contributions, something Australia managed more effectively during the contest.
“If I look at the first innings, there were guys who got in and you would like those guys to be able to go through and make good performances for the team.
“I think that’s what you saw with the Australian team.”
Breetzke’s inclusion gives South Africa another batting option as they attempt to address those shortcomings.
However, Cricket South Africa has not confirmed whether Breetzke will be included in the starting XI.
Rickelton to take over wicketkeeping duties
Another significant development is the decision to hand Rickelton the wicketkeeping responsibilities for the second Test.
Kyle Verreynne, who kept wicket during the opening Test, remains part of the 17-player squad.
The announcement confirms Rickelton’s role behind the stumps but does not specify whether Verreynne will retain a place in the starting XI as a specialist batter.
Rickelton opened the batting alongside Aiden Markram in Durban, and his ability to fulfil the wicketkeeping role could provide South Africa with additional flexibility when selecting their team.
The final playing XI has not yet been announced.
Rabada remains in contention
Kagiso Rabada has retained his place in the squad after missing the first Test due to fitness concerns.
The fast bowler was left out of the Durban encounter as a precaution while recovering from a hamstring injury.
Following the defeat, Bavuma provided an encouraging update on Rabada’s recovery.
“To answer your question around KG, KG looks good.
“SuperSport kept showing him on the big screen bowling. He’s as bubbly as ever within the changing room.
“Like I said, his non-selection was more from a precautionary point of view, given the extra couple of days.
“We’ll see how he continues to improve.”
Rabada’s availability could be particularly important as South Africa reconsider their bowling combination.
The Proteas selected both Keshav Maharaj and Simon Harmer in Durban, but Bavuma admitted afterwards that the conditions had not provided the assistance to spin that the team anticipated.
“I think probably the two-spin approach, looking at the way the wicket played out over the five days, definitely not conducive.
“It just wasn’t enough there for the spinners to pose a real threat.”
Rabada’s inclusion in the squad does not yet confirm that he will be fit to play in Gqeberha.
De Zorzi remains unavailable
Tony de Zorzi was not considered for selection as he continues recovering from a left hamstring injury.
The left-handed batter’s absence means South Africa will once again have to select their batting combination without him.
Marques Ackerman, who received his maiden Test call-up ahead of the series, also remains in the squad and provides another option for the batting lineup.
Proteas squad for the second Test against Australia
- Temba Bavuma (captain, DP World Lions)
- Marques Ackerman (Hollywoodbets Dolphins)
- David Bedingham (YesPlay Cobras)
- Matthew Breetzke (Dafabet Warriors)
- Corbin Bosch (Momentum Multiply Titans)
- Gerald Coetzee (DP World Lions)
- Simon Harmer (Momentum Multiply Titans)
- Marco Jansen (Momentum Multiply Titans)
- Keshav Maharaj (Hollywoodbets Dolphins)
- Aiden Markram (Momentum Multiply Titans)
- Wiaan Mulder (DP World Lions)
- Senuran Muthusamy (Dafabet Warriors)
- Anrich Nortje (Hollywoodbets Dolphins)
- Dane Paterson (YesPlay Cobras)
- Kagiso Rabada (DP World Lions)
- Ryan Rickelton (DP World Lions)
- Kyle Verreynne (YesPlay Cobras)
Proteas face crucial Test in Gqeberha
South Africa head into the second Test needing a victory to level the series and keep their hopes of winning it alive.
The defeat in Durban exposed several areas of concern, particularly the team’s inability to capitalise on strong positions.
Australia recovered from 124/6 to post 390 in their first innings, with Matt Renshaw scoring 190, before their bowling attack placed South Africa under sustained pressure.
Bavuma acknowledged that the Proteas had not shown enough resistance at crucial stages.
“And in our second innings, good effort, I’d like to say, especially from a guy like Aiden Markram, but just not enough fight and mental aptitude from us to get us into that last session.”
The Proteas now have an opportunity to respond at St George’s Park, where the second Test gets underway at 10:00 on Sunday.
With Breetzke entering the squad, Rickelton taking over the gloves and Rabada potentially returning to the attack, South Africa face important selection decisions as they look to bounce back.
Remaining Test fixtures
2nd Test: South Africa vs Australia
18–22 October 2026
Dafabet St George’s Park, Gqeberha
Start: 10:00
3rd Test: South Africa vs Australia
27–31 October 2026
YesPlay Newlands Cricket Ground, Cape Town
Start: 10:30
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