South Africa have announced a 17-member squad for the second Test against Australia, which begins on Sunday, October 18, in Gqeberha. Matthew Breetzke has replaced Tristan Stubbs in the squad, while Ryan Rickelton is expected to take over wicketkeeping duties.
The changes come after South Africa suffered a 214-run defeat in the opening Test in Durban. The hosts will be keen to improve their batting performance and level the series in the second match.
Breetzke Replaces Stubbs After Opening Test Defeat
Stubbs is the only player to be dropped from South Africa’s squad following the first Test. The batter scored 32 runs in the first innings but managed just one run in the second.
His recent performance was a setback after he had scored an impressive 94 in his previous Test innings against India nearly 11 months ago.
Breetzke has been brought in as his replacement. He has played two Tests for South Africa, making his debut against Bangladesh in October 2024 before featuring against Zimbabwe in July 2025.
However, the 27-year-old has scored only 14 runs across those two matches. He will now have an opportunity to make a stronger impression if selected for the second Test. Breetzke has a first-class batting average of 37.03.
Rickelton Set For Wicketkeeping Role, De Zorzi Still Unavailable
Rickelton is set to handle wicketkeeping duties in Gqeberha, potentially giving South Africa more flexibility in their batting combination.
The team could also consider bringing in another specialist batter as they look to address the problems exposed in Durban.
Meanwhile, Tony de Zorzi remains unavailable for selection as he continues to recover from a left hamstring injury. His absence leaves South Africa without another batting option for the upcoming match.
Rabada Could Return For Second Test
South Africa could receive a major boost with the possible return of fast bowler Kagiso Rabada, who missed the series opener.
His availability would strengthen the pace attack as the hosts prepare to face Australia again. After their heavy defeat in Durban, South Africa will need a much-improved performance with both bat and ball to keep the series alive. The second Test in Gqeberha will give the hosts a chance to respond and level the series after a disappointing start.
South Africa Squad
Temba Bavuma (c), Marques Ackerman, David Bedingham, Matthew Breetzke, Corbin Bosch, Gerald Coetzee, Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Anrich Nortje, Dane Paterson, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, and Kyle Verreynne.