SA vs AUS: South Africa Announce Squad for 2nd Test vs Australia: Stubbs Dropped, Matthew Breetzke Called In

Following a heavy 214-run defeat at the hands of Australia in the opening SA vs AUS Test match of the three-match Test series at Kingsmead, Durban, South Africa have announced a 17-man squad for the second Test at St George’s Park in Gqeberha, with some ramifications. The selection panel has made a significant statement by dropping middle-order batter Tristan Stubbs and recalling local favorite Matthew Breetzke to bolster the batting lineup ahead of the crucial match.

The reigning World Test Champions will have their backs against the wall when they take the field in Gqeberha on Sunday, October 18. They need to win this Test match to stay alive in the series and push the verdict into the final Test at the Newlands in Cape Town.

SA vs AUS: Strategic change in the batting order

The decision to exclude Tristan Stubbs comes after his underwhelming performances across the two innings in the Durban Test. The Proteas batting order couldn’t last for long against Australia’s bowling attack, and they succumbed to a heavy defeat at home. To create a better balance in the batting unit, Ryan Rickelton will be keeping wickets in the second Test, which should mean there won’t be any room for Kyle Verreynne, who hasn’t gone past 50 in his last 13 Test innings.

Addressing the tactical reshuffle, Proteas head coach Shukri Conrad explained the options being considered for the batting lineup:

“With Rickelton 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.”

With Rickelton set to take the gloves, South Africa have paved the way to potentially include another specialist batter in the second Test at St George’s Park in Gqeberha.

Matthew Breetzke will get Local Advantage

For Matthew Breetzke, the call-up brings an opportunity to showcase his talent on familiar home turf. The 27-year-old right-hand batter plays his domestic cricket at this very venue, i.e., at St George’s Park in Gqeberha, and will enjoy batting here should he get a chance in the eleven in the upcoming Test match. Speaking on Breetzke’s inclusion, head coach Shukri Conrad said,

“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,” 

Talking about his current form, Breetzke enters the squad for the second Test in fine domestic form, giving the team management a reliable option if they decide to restructure their top six to counter Australia’s bowling attack. He also scored a ton in the first ODI in the recently concluded series against Australia. Meanwhile, left-hand batter Tony de Zorzi remains unavailable for selection as he continues his recovery from a left hamstring strain.

SA vs AUS: South Africa Squad for 2nd Test vs Australia

Here is the Proteas 17-man squad for the 2nd SA vs AUS Test match in Gqeberha.