Sports · Cricket · 2 hrs ago
South Africa brings Breetzke into squad for second Test against Australia
South Africa has named Matthew Breetzke in its 17-man squad for the second Test against Australia.
Breetzke replaces Tristan Stubbs, the squad’s only change.
The match begins Sunday in Gqeberha, after South Africa lost the first Test by 214 runs in Durban.
Breetzke has played two Tests, and coach Shukri Conrad pointed to his strong one-day international form and character as reasons for his selection.
Ryan Rickelton will keep wicket in the next match, which could affect whether Kyle Verreynne is selected in the playing team.
Conrad said South Africa must decide whether Rickelton will move down the batting order or continue opening.
South Africa replaced Tristan Stubbs with Matthew Breetzke in its 17-member squad for the second Test against Australia.
Ryan Rickelton was named as the designated wicketkeeper for the match in Gqeberha.
Head coach Shukri Conrad said Breetzke’s strong ODI form and character helped earn him selection.
South Africa lost the first Test by 214 runs in Durban.
- Who
- South Africa’s cricket team selected Matthew Breetzke in place of Tristan Stubbs and named Ryan Rickelton as wicketkeeper.
- What
- South Africa announced its 17-member squad for the second Test against Australia.
- When
- The squad was announced on October 15, 2026. The Test was due to start Sunday.
- Where
- The Test is in Gqeberha, South Africa.
- Why
- Conrad cited Breetzke’s strong ODI form, attitude and character.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
South Africa lost to Australia by 214 runs in Durban.
South Africa announced its squad for the second Test, replacing Tristan Stubbs with Matthew Breetzke and naming Ryan Rickelton as wicketkeeper.
The second Test against Australia was due to start in Gqeberha.
- Squad size
- 17 players
- Selection change
- Matthew Breetzke replaced Tristan Stubbs
- Wicketkeeper
- Ryan Rickelton
- Second Test venue
- Gqeberha, South Africa
- First Test result
- South Africa lost by 214 runs in Durban
3 sources
What people are saying
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.
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.