Matthew Breetzke has replaced Tristan Stubbs in the Proteas squad for the second Test against Australia, while Ryan Rickelton will take over wicketkeeping duties as South Africa look to recover from their heavy defeat in Durban.

The 17-player squad was announced on Thursday, 15 October. The second Test starts on Sunday, 18 October, at St George’s Park in Gqeberha, with Australia leading the three-match series 1–0.

Breetzke earns another opportunity

According to the ICC’s squad update, Breetzke returns after scoring 171 runs across the recent three-match ODI series against Australia, including a century in Durban. Stubbs, meanwhile, contributed 33 runs in the opening Test.

The change puts the spotlight on how South Africa will arrange their batting order. Rickelton opened in the first Test, but his move behind the stumps could create an opening for a reshuffle.

Cricket Australia reports that Breetzke and uncapped batter Marques Ackerman are both in contention to play. Their selection and batting positions remain possibilities rather than a confirmed starting XI.

Rickelton takes the gloves

Kyle Verreynne remains in the squad, although Rickelton will handle wicketkeeping duties in Gqeberha.

That distinction matters: Verreynne has lost the gloves for this Test, but has not been dropped from the squad. The final team will reveal whether South Africa use the change to accommodate another specialist batter.

Rabada return remains a possibility

Kagiso Rabada is in contention after missing the first Test. However, his inclusion in the Proteas squad does not yet confirm that he will play.

Tony de Zorzi was unavailable for selection as he continues recovering from a left hamstring injury. South Africa must respond after Australia’s 214-run victory at Kingsmead.

What the Proteas squad changes mean

The immediate selection question is how to strengthen the batting while balancing Rickelton’s workload. Moving him down the order would require someone else to partner Aiden Markram at the top.

For supporters, Sunday’s team announcement will provide the clearest indication of the Proteas’ response: who opens, whether Ackerman debuts and whether Rabada returns to lead the attack.

The second Test runs from 18–22 October, followed by the third Test in Cape Town from 27–31 October.

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