Stubbs out, Breetzke in as Proteas announce squad for second test

There were two significant changes as the Proteas' 17-player squad for the second Dafabet test against Australia was announced on Thursday.

After a sound 214-run thumping in the first test in Durban, South Africa are looking for a swift return to test form for the second contest starting on 18 October at Dafabet St George’s Park in Gqeberha.

𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧'𝗦 𝗜𝗡 𝗔 𝗡𝗨𝗠𝗕𝗘𝗥 🔢 The Proteas unpack their shirt numbers and the meaning behind them 🇿🇦 This is Keshav Maharaj's story ♥️ #SSCricket https://t.co/47daRvV8W8

After making 32 & 1 in the first test, Tristan Stubbs has paid the price for having scored in the single figures in 11 of his last 17 knocks. He is replaced by ODI star Matthew Breetzke, who averaged 57 in the recent 50-over series win against the Aussies.

In the second change, Ryan Rickelton will take over the wicketkeeping duties from Kyle Verreynne.

"You don't want to go knee-jerk and go into panic mode." 👀 This is what Shukri Conrad has to say after defeat in the first Test of the series 🗣️ #SSCricket | #SAvAUS https://t.co/OWvdQmIl7X — SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) October 13, 2026

While Verreynne, remains part of the squad, Tony de Zorzi was not considered for selection as the left-hander continues his recovery from a left-hamstring injury.

Dafabet Second Test Match Squad Announcement 🚨 The South Africa Men’s selection panel has today named a 17-player squad for the second Dafabet Test against Australia, starting on Sunday, 18 October at Dafabet St George’s Park in Gqeberha. There is one change to the squad from the first Test, with batter Matthew Breetzke replacing Tristan Stubbs, while Ryan Rickelton will take over the wicketkeeping duties for the second Test. Tony de Zorzi was not considered for selection as the left-hander continues his recovery from a left hamstring injury. #Unbreakable #SAvAUS — Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) October 15, 2026

Proteas Men’s squad - 2nd Dafabet test against Australia

Temba Bavuma (captain, DP World Lions), Marques Ackerman (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), David Bedingham (YesPlay Cobras), Matthew Breetzke (Dafabet Warriors), Corbin Bosch (Momentum Multiply Titans), Gerald Coetzee (DP World Lions), Simon Harmer (Momentum Multiply Titans), Marco Jansen (Momentum Multiply Titans), Keshav Maharaj (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Aiden Markram (Momentum Multiply Titans), Wiaan Mulder (DP World Lions), Senuran Muthusamy (Dafabet Warriors), Anrich Nortje (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Dane Paterson (YesPlay Cobras), Kagiso Rabada (DP World Lions), Ryan Rickelton (DP World Lions), and Kyle Verreynne (YesPlay Cobras).

Fixtures

1st test - Friday, 9 - Tuesday, 13 October at 9:30am

South Africa lost to Australia by 214 runs - Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium, Durban

2nd test - Sunday, 18 - Thursday, 22 October at 10am

South Africa v Australia - Dafabet St George’s Park, Gqeberha

3rd test - Tuesday, 27 - Saturday, 31 October at 10:30am

South Africa v Australia - YesPlay Newlands Cricket Ground, Cape Town

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