Proteas head coach Shukri Conrad believes Matthew Breetzke’s impressive white-ball form, combined with his attitude and character, has earned him another opportunity in South Africa’s Test squad.

Breetzke has replaced Tristan Stubbs in the 17-player squad for the second Test against Australia, starting on Sunday at St George’s Park in Gqeberha.

The change comes as South Africa look to recover from their 214-run defeat in Durban, which left the World Test Champions trailing 1-0 in the three-match series.

While Breetzke’s inclusion is the only change to the squad, Conrad has also confirmed that Ryan Rickelton will take over the wicketkeeping duties, potentially opening the door for a reshuffle in the batting order.

Breetzke’s form and character earn him another opportunity

Conrad explained that Breetzke’s recent performances in ODI cricket had strengthened his case for selection, but stressed that the batter’s character was equally important.

“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.”

Breetzke is no stranger to the Test environment, having previously been involved with the national side.

However, it is his performances in the 50-over format, together with the qualities he brings to the dressing room, that appear to have influenced the latest decision.

“The fact that his 50-over 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.”

The selection offers Breetzke another opportunity to establish himself in the Test setup, although his place in the starting XI has not yet been confirmed.

For Conrad, the decision appears to be about more than runs alone.

His emphasis on Breetzke’s attitude and character suggests that the coaching staff also value the qualities a player brings to the team environment, particularly when the side is looking to respond to a difficult defeat.

Rickelton’s wicketkeeping role creates a selection dilemma

While Breetzke’s inclusion has attracted attention, Conrad’s confirmation that Rickelton will take over the gloves could have an equally significant influence on South Africa’s team selection.

Rickelton opened the batting alongside Aiden Markram in Durban, with Kyle Verreynne performing the wicketkeeping duties.

However, with Rickelton now set to keep wicket, the Proteas must decide whether to retain him at the top of the order or move him into a different batting position.

“The other noteworthy news would be that Ryan Rickelton 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 does move down the order or whether he can continue to open the batting and take the gloves as he has done before.

“So those are some of the conversations.”

The decision could have implications for the balance of South Africa’s batting lineup.

Should Rickelton continue opening, the Proteas would retain their established opening combination while adding wicketkeeping responsibilities to his role.

Alternatively, moving him down the order could create an opportunity for another batter higher up.

Conrad has not indicated which option the coaching staff prefer, with discussions still taking place ahead of the match.

Kyle Verreynne remains part of the squad, although Rickelton’s confirmed wicketkeeping role raises questions about how the final batting lineup will be structured.

Conditions could influence the final XI

South Africa’s team selection will also be influenced by the conditions expected at St George’s Park.

Conrad revealed that the weather forecast for the opening day is a concern, with the coaching staff still needing to assess the surface before settling on their preferred combination.

“We’ll obviously have a look at what the conditions are like.

“The weather forecast isn’t great for day one so there are a few things to consider before we look at that final 11.”

The Proteas selected two specialist spinners, Keshav Maharaj and Simon Harmer, for the opening Test in Durban.

However, the conditions did not provide the assistance to spin that South Africa had anticipated.

Following the defeat, captain Temba Bavuma acknowledged that the decision to field both spinners had not worked as intended.

“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.”

With Kagiso Rabada remaining in the squad after missing the first Test as a precaution, South Africa also have decisions to make regarding the composition of their bowling attack.

Conrad’s comments suggest that the final XI will only be settled once the coaching staff have a clearer understanding of the conditions.

‘We’ve had the opportunity to lick our wounds’

Beyond the selection decisions, Conrad believes South Africa have had an opportunity to reflect on their performance in Durban and begin preparing their response.

The defeat was a disappointing start to the series, particularly after the Proteas had Australia in trouble at 124/6 during the visitors’ first innings.

Australia recovered to post 390, with Matt Renshaw scoring 190, before their bowling attack placed South Africa under sustained pressure.

The result leaves the Proteas needing a victory in Gqeberha to level the series ahead of the final Test at Newlands.

Conrad believes the team is ready to move forward.

“But we are excited.

“We’ve had the opportunity to lick our wounds and make sure we turn the ship in the right direction now and there’s no better place to start than Gqeberha.”

For South Africa, the second Test presents an opportunity to demonstrate that the disappointment of Durban has been addressed.

Breetzke’s inclusion, Rickelton’s new responsibilities and the possibility of a different bowling combination all point towards a Proteas side considering how best to respond.

The final selection decisions are still to come, but Conrad has made one thing clear: South Africa are determined to turn the series around.

The second Test begins at St George’s Park on Sunday, 18 October, at 10:00.

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