Proteas Name 17-Man Squad for 2nd Test Against Australia, Stubbs Dropped
- The Proteas have made a key squad change ahead of their Gqeberha Test against Australia, with another batter getting an opportunity
- Ryan Rickelton has been handed wicketkeeping duties as South Africa consider their options for the second Test
- Tony de Zorzi remains unavailable as the hosts look to respond to their heavy defeat in Durban
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The Proteas have dropped Tristan Stubbs from their 17-man squad for the second Test against Australia, bringing Matthew Breetzke into the group ahead of Sunday's match in Gqeberha. The announcement came on Thursday, 15 October 2026, after South Africa's 214-run defeat in the opening Test in Durban.
According to Cricket SA, Breetzke replaces Stubbs, while Ryan Rickelton will take over the wicketkeeping responsibilities for the match at Dafabet St George's Park.
Stubbs scored 32 runs in the first innings and one in the second innings of the Durban Test. Breetzke now has an opportunity to strengthen the batting line-up as South Africa seek to level the three-match series.
South Africa head coach Shukri Conrad highlighted Breetzke's recent form and character when explaining his inclusion, telling ESPNcricinfo:
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"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."
Ryan Rickelton takes over wicketkeeping duties
Rickelton's new responsibility could influence South Africa's final batting order. The team must decide whether he will continue opening alongside Aiden Markram or move further down the order.
That decision becomes more significant because Tony de Zorzi has not been considered for selection. The left-handed batter is continuing to recover from a left hamstring injury, leaving selectors with fewer established opening options.
Kyle Verreynne remains in the squad, although Rickelton's appointment behind the stumps could affect his chances of featuring in the starting XI.
Source: Twitter
Kagiso Rabada could return for Gqeberha Test
Kagiso Rabada is also in contention after missing the first Test while recovering from a hamstring niggle. His availability would give South Africa another option in their pace attack.
The second Test takes place at Dafabet St George’s Park in Gqeberha from 18 to 22 October 2026, with play scheduled to begin at 10:00. The third and final Test will be played at Newlands in Cape Town from 27 to 31 October.
The Proteas have retained the rest of their squad, leaving the final playing XI to be determined. After their Durban defeat, the selection changes leave the hosts with several decisions to make before the Gqeberha encounter.
Full Proteas squad for the second Test against Australia
The 17-player squad named for the second Test features the following players:
- 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 Rabada
- Ryan Rickelton
- Kyle Verreynne
Proteas slip in World Test Championship rankings after Australia defeat
Briefly News previously reported that South Africa dropped to third in the World Test Championship (WTC) standings after Australia defeated the Proteas by 214 runs in Durban. The result put added pressure on the defending champions as they continue their campaign.
The Proteas now face Australia in Gqeberha before the series moves to Cape Town. Their performances in the remaining Tests could prove important as they pursue another place in the WTC final.
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Source: Briefly News
