South Africa name XI for Cape Town decider: Coetzee in for injured Nortje
Synopsis
South Africa go into the Cape Town series decider with one enforced change — Gerald Coetzee in for the injured Anrich Nortje — but buoyed by a stunning innings-and-31-run win in Gqeberha where Bavuma's career-best 179 and Jansen's five-wicket haul dismantled Australia. With the series level at 1-1, Newlands could not be a bigger stage.
Key Takeaways
Gerald Coetzee replaces injured Anrich Nortje , who suffered a groin injury during the second Test, for the Cape Town decider starting Tuesday .
Coetzee returns to Test cricket for the first time since November 2024 , when he last played against Sri Lanka in Durban.
South Africa field a four-pace attack with Simon Harmer as the lone specialist spinner.
Marques Ackerman (debutant) and Ryan Rickelton (wicketkeeper) retain their spots; Kyle Verreynne and Keshav Maharaj remain dropped.
The Proteas levelled the series 1-1 in Gqeberha after Temba Bavuma's career-best 179 and Marco Jansen's five-wicket haul.
South Africa have announced their playing XI for the third and final Test against Australia, with fast bowler Gerald Coetzee coming in for the injured Anrich Nortje in the series decider starting Tuesday at Newlands, Cape Town. Nortje was ruled out after sustaining a groin injury during the second Test, forcing the only change to a side that won decisively in Gqeberha.
Coetzee's Long-Awaited Return
Coetzee steps back into Test cricket for the first time in almost two years, having last featured in the format against Sri Lanka in Durban in November 2024. His recall is a forced one, but the pacer provides the Proteas with pace depth at a venue known for assisting seamers. South Africa retain their four-pronged pace attack, with Simon Harmer as the lone spinner. Aiden Markram could also roll his arm on part-time duty, as he did in both earlier matches.
Unchanged Core, Settled Batting Order
Debutant Marques Ackerman continues at the top of the order alongside Markram, with the partnership having passed its first audition. Ryan Rickelton retains the wicketkeeper's gloves after being handed the role in the previous Test. Both Kyle Verreynne and spinner Keshav Maharaj remain out of the XI, continuing their absence from the second match.
How South Africa Levelled the Series
The Proteas staged a remarkable turnaround in Gqeberha after being reduced to 110 for 6 in their first innings. Captain Temba Bavuma anchored the recovery with a career-best 179, while Marco Jansen and Simon Harmer contributed 85 and 82 respectively, lifting South Africa to 425 for 9 declared. Jansen then claimed a five-wicket haul to dismiss Australia for 99, forcing the follow-on. Despite a defiant hundred from Travis Head, the Proteas bowled Australia out for 295 on the final day to win by an innings and 31 runs, levelling the series at 1-1.
What Is at Stake in Cape Town
With the series tied, the Cape Town Test is a winner-takes-all contest. Newlands historically offers pace and bounce in early sessions, conditions that could suit South Africa's seam-heavy attack. Australia will need a significant response after their heavy defeat in Gqeberha, and their own XI for the decider is awaited. The outcome will settle a series that has swung dramatically from the first Test, which Australia had won.
Point of View
Yet that same group just dismantled Australia for 99 in Gqeberha. The more interesting question is whether Bavuma's side can replicate the collective with-bat heroics that bailed them out of 110 for 6; repeating that in a knockout context would be extraordinary. The series also tests Australia's resilience after a psychological hammering — their response to the follow-on and the manner of the defeat in the second Test will linger in the camp.
NationPress
26 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Gerald Coetzee playing in the third Test against Australia?
Gerald Coetzee has been included in South Africa's XI because Anrich Nortje was ruled out of the Cape Town Test with a groin injury sustained during the second match in Gqeberha. It is the only change to the Proteas' playing XI for the decider.
When did Gerald Coetzee last play Test cricket?
Coetzee last played Test cricket in November 2024 against Sri Lanka in Durban, making his recall after almost two years away from the format.
How did South Africa level the series 1-1 in Gqeberha?
South Africa recovered from 110 for 6 to post 425 for 9 declared, led by Temba Bavuma's career-best 179 and contributions of 85 from Marco Jansen and 82 from Simon Harmer. Jansen then took a five-wicket haul to bowl Australia out for 99, the follow-on was enforced, and despite a Travis Head century Australia were bowled out for 295, giving South Africa a win by an innings and 31 runs.
Who is keeping wickets for South Africa in the Cape Town Test?
Ryan Rickelton continues as wicketkeeper after being handed the role in the second Test. Kyle Verreynne, who was dropped for the Gqeberha match, remains out of the XI.
What is the series situation heading into the Cape Town Test?
The series between South Africa and Australia is level at 1-1. Australia won the first Test, South Africa won the second by an innings and 31 runs, and the third and final Test at Newlands, Cape Town is the series decider.
