South Africa dismiss Stubbs, Rickelton to keep wickets in Gqeberha Test vs Australia

South Africa have replaced Tristan Stubbs with Matthew Breetzke for the second Test against Australia, which starts in Gqeberha on Sunday. Ryan Rickelton will take over the wicket duties, leaving the hosts to decide their batting combination after the defeat in Durban.

Stubbs scored 32 and 1 in the series opener which South Africa lost. His omission came despite scoring 94 against India in his previous Test innings around 11 months ago.

Breetzke’s recent form in limited-overs cricket has helped him get another opportunity at Test level. He hit a century in the first ODI against Australia in Durban after spending the domestic season with South Africa’s limited-overs teams in Namibia and against Australia.

The batsman played two Tests, against Bangladesh in October 2024 and Zimbabwe in July 2025, scoring 14 runs. He averages 37.03 in first-class cricket but has not played a match in the format since February.

South Africa head coach Shukri Conrad supported the decision to bring him into the squad.

“Matt has been part of the team before,” Conrad said. “The fact that his ODI form is as hot as it is has given him an inside track and more importantly, it’s the attitude and character that Matt brings and has.”

THE ORDER OF THE FUELS IS YET TO BE DECIDED

Rickelton’s new role could leave Kyle Verreynn out of the starting eleven. Verreynne has not scored a Test half-century in his last 13 innings, although he remains part of the squad.

South Africa also need to settle on Rickelton’s batting position. He could continue to open alongside Aiden Markram or move down the order, creating a vacancy at the top.

Tony de Zorzi is unavailable as he recovers from a hamstring injury. He was Markram’s most regular opening partner during the 2023–25 World Test Championship cycle.

Breetzke could be asked to open, while the uncapped Marques Ackerman is another option. Ackerman generally bats in the middle order.

“There are a few things to consider before we look at the final eleven, but we’re pretty darn excited,” Conrad said. “But we had an opportunity to lick our wounds and turn this ship in the right direction.

RABADA IS EXPECTED TO BE AVAILABLE

Kagiso Rabada is expected to return after missing the first Test with a hamstring. South Africa retained their remaining 16 players, including six other fast bowlers: Anrich Nortje, Marco Jansen, Wiaan Mulder, Gerald Coetzee, Dane Paterson and Corbin Bosch.

Heavy rain is expected on Sunday and the possibility of lost playing time could affect the final selection of the hosts.

South Africa also retained Keshav Maharaj, Simon Harmer and Senuran Muthusamy in the squad. Only one spinner is likely to feature, with Maharaj and Harmer playing in Durban.

SOUTH AFRICA SQUAD FOR SECOND TEST

Temba Bavuma (captain), 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 Verton Rabada and Kyyne Ryanne.

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