South Africa have shaken up their squad for the second Test against Australia. Matthew Breetzke has been called up. Tristan Stubbs has been dropped after a poor first Test.
South Africa lost the opening Test by 214 runs in Durban. The second match starts on Sunday in Gqeberha. The hosts must win to keep the series alive.
Batting Reshuffle
Stubbs scored only 33 runs across his two innings at Kingsmead. Breetzke has played two Tests before. He also scored a century in an ODI against Australia last month.
The coach said Breetzke’s hot ODI form earned him the call-up. Ryan Rickelton will take the wicketkeeping gloves. That could mean Kyle Verreynne also misses out after a lean run of scores.
Rabada Set to Return
There is good news on the bowling front. Kagiso Rabada is expected to be fit to play. He missed the first Test as a precaution due to a hamstring problem.
Australia will be full of confidence after their big win. South Africa need their senior players to stand up. The Gqeberha pitch is expected to offer something for both bat and ball.
The first Test exposed weaknesses in the home batting line-up. Australia’s bowlers were relentless on a helpful pitch. South Africa never recovered after a poor first innings.
Home fans in Gqeberha will expect a strong response. The team has pride to play for in front of their own crowd. A win would level the series and set up a thrilling decider.
Selection debates will continue until the toss. The final eleven will depend on pitch conditions. Whatever the combination, South Africa know only a complete performance will be enough.
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