Breetzke replaces Stubbs in South Africa's 17-man squad for second Australia Test
Synopsis
South Africa have made one change for the second Test against Australia — Breetzke in, Stubbs out — but the bigger subplots are Rabada's expected return from a hamstring niggle and the unresolved question of where Rickelton bats now that he has the gloves. With the series on the line after an opening-match setback, these calls could define the Proteas' summer.
Key Takeaways
Matthew Breetzke replaces Tristan Stubbs as the only change in South Africa's 17-player squad for the second Test against Australia .
Stubbs scored 32 and 1 in the opening Test before being dropped.
Breetzke has played just two Tests , scoring 14 runs in total, but struck a century in the first ODI against Australia in Durban .
Ryan Rickelton takes over wicketkeeping duties, raising questions about his batting position in the order.
Kagiso Rabada is expected to return after missing the Durban Test with a hamstring niggle.
Tony de Zorzi remains out as he recovers from a left hamstring injury .
South Africa have named a 17-player squad for the second Test against Australia, with Matthew Breetzke coming in for Tristan Stubbs as the sole change from the opening match, while Ryan Rickelton assumes the wicketkeeping duties. The announcement was made on 15 October 2026 ahead of the second Test, scheduled to begin on Sunday in Gqeberha.
Why Breetzke Gets the Nod
Stubbs managed scores of 32 and 1 in the opening Test, failing to make a decisive impact. Breetzke, a right-handed batter, has appeared in only two Tests for South Africa — against Bangladesh in October 2024 and Zimbabwe in July 2025 — accumulating just 14 runs across those matches. However, his recent limited-overs form has been compelling, highlighted by a century in the first ODI against Australia in Durban.
Proteas head coach Shukri Conrad explained the reasoning: '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,' Conrad said in a video released by the Proteas on X.
Rickelton's Keeping Role and Batting Position
Rickelton's elevation to wicketkeeper opens a tactical question around his position in the batting order. Conrad acknowledged the dilemma, saying: '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.'
Rabada Expected Back, De Zorzi Still Out
Fast bowler Kagiso Rabada is expected to return to the side after missing the Durban Test while recovering from a hamstring niggle. His return significantly strengthens the pace attack. Cricket South Africa confirmed that Tony de Zorzi remains unavailable, continuing his recovery from a left hamstring injury.
The pace department otherwise remains well-stocked, with Anrich Nortje, Marco Jansen, Wiaan Mulder, Gerald Coetzee, Dane Paterson, and Corbin Bosch all retained in the squad.
Full 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 (WK), Kyle Verreynne.
South Africa go into the second Test looking to bounce back after losing the opener, with the selection changes signalling a renewed focus on batting depth and pace firepower.
Point of View
Which is a calculated but unproven bet. The more consequential tactical puzzle is Rickelton's batting position: moving an opener down the order to accommodate keeping duties can disrupt both roles simultaneously. Rabada's return, however, is the kind of like-for-like upgrade that could shift the match equation decisively, assuming he has fully recovered and is not managing the niggle through the game.
NationPress
15 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Tristan Stubbs dropped from South Africa's squad for the second Test?
Stubbs was dropped after scoring only 32 and 1 in the opening Test against Australia. Matthew Breetzke has been brought in as his replacement, with coach Shukri Conrad citing Breetzke's recent ODI form and positive attitude as key factors.
What is Matthew Breetzke's Test record for South Africa?
Breetzke has played two Tests for South Africa — against Bangladesh in October 2024 and Zimbabwe in July 2025 — scoring 14 runs across both matches. Despite his modest Test record, he scored a century in the first ODI against Australia in Durban, which influenced his selection.
Is Kagiso Rabada playing in the second Test against Australia?
Kagiso Rabada is expected to return for the second Test after missing the Durban opener while recovering from a hamstring niggle. Cricket South Africa has included him in the 17-player squad.
Why is Tony de Zorzi not in South Africa's squad?
Tony de Zorzi was not considered for selection as he continues his recovery from a left hamstring injury, according to Cricket South Africa.
When and where is the second Test between South Africa and Australia?
The second Test is scheduled to begin on Sunday in Gqeberha, South Africa. The Proteas go into the match looking to level the series after losing the opening Test.
