In the build-up to South Africa’s second Test against Australia in Gqeberha, Tristan Stubbs has been dropped following his performances in Durban. Despite notching up 32 and 1 in South Africa’s first-Test defeat, and a commendable 94 against India last year, the selectors have opted to replace him. Filling his boots in the squad is Matthew Breetzke.
Breetzke has had brief stints in Tests previously—against Bangladesh in October 2024 and Zimbabwe in July 2025. He has a modest first-class average of 37.03 from domestic matches, though he hasn’t played first-class cricket since February. Breetzke has recently featured in South Africa’s one-day sides, hitting a century against Australia in a Durban ODI, which has caught the selectors’ attention. As head coach Shukri Conrad mentioned, “Matt has been part of the squad before. 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.”
With Ryan Rickelton confirmed to take on wicketkeeping duties, the batting line-up could see some reshuffling. Kyle Verreynne, having struggled for runs without a Test fifty in his last 13 innings, is likely on the bench but remains part of the squad. The question now is whether Rickelton will adjust his batting position or continue to open. Conrad commented, “With Ricks taking the gloves, there are decisions to be made over whether he does move down the order or whether he can continue to open the batting, which he has done before.”
Tony de Zorzi, a regular opener alongside Aiden Markram during the last World Test Championship cycle, is absent due to a hamstring injury. This opens up opportunities for Breetzke to take the opener’s spot or potentially uncapped Marques Ackerman, who generally plays in the middle order. Conrad expressed optimism, saying, “There’s a few things to consider before we look at the final XI, but we are hell of excited. But we have had the opportunity to lick our wounds and turn this ship in the right direction.”
The squad from Durban remains largely intact, and with Kagiso Rabada expected back from a hamstring niggle, the fast-bowling department is well-stacked. Alongside Rabada, South Africa has six other pacers to choose from—Anrich Nortje, Marco Jansen, Wiaan Mulder, Gerald Coetzee, Dane Paterson, and Corbin Bosch. The weather, with forecasts predicting heavy rain for the first day, could influence their selection strategy.
Meanwhile, South Africa keeps its spin options open with Keshav Maharaj, Simon Harmer, and Senuran Muthusamy, though likely only one will feature given recent team trends.
Here is the full squad for the second Test: Temba Bavuma (capt), 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, Kyle Verreynne.
