Tristan Stubbs Dropped as Kagiso Rabada Returns for Gqeberha Test Against Australia

South Africa face important selection decisions ahead of the second Test against Australia in Gqeberha, with Ryan Rickelton taking over wicketkeeping duties and Matthew Breetzke entering the squad. Tristan Stubbs drops from the squad after the first Test defeat in Durban, while Kagiso Rabada is expected to return following his recovery from a hamstring problem.

The revised squad gives head coach Shukri Conrad several options for reshaping the batting order. Kyle Verreynne could miss out after failing to score a Test half-century in his last 13 innings, while the team must decide whether Rickelton will continue opening alongside Aiden Markram or bat further down the order.

Breetzke is among the candidates who could fill a place at the top of the order. The right-hander has scored heavily in domestic cricket and recently hit a century in the first ODI against Australia in Durban. His previous Test appearances, however, produced only 14 runs against Bangladesh in 2024 and Zimbabwe in 2025.

Conrad pointed to more than Breetzke's batting form when explaining his selection.

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

Uncapped batter Marques Ackerman is another option, although he generally bats in the middle order. Tony de Zorzi cannot be considered while he continues his recovery from a hamstring injury, leaving South Africa to assess their available combinations before naming the team.

Weather conditions could also affect the balance of the side. Heavy rain is forecast for the opening day on Sunday, potentially limiting the time available for play and influencing the decision on how many specialist bowlers to select.

Rabada's anticipated return strengthens South Africa's pace attack, with Anrich Nortje, Marco Jansen, Wiaan Mulder, Gerald Coetzee, Dane Paterson and Corbin Bosch also retained. Keshav Maharaj, Simon Harmer and Senuran Muthusamy remain the spin options, although only one specialist spinner is expected to play.

South Africa Updated Squad for 2nd Test

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.