South Africa have recalled Matthew Breetzke to their squad for the second Test against Australia, dropping Tristan Stubbs as they prepare for Sunday’s match in Gqeberha.
The decision follows South Africa’s 214-run defeat in the opening Test in Durban, where Stubbs managed scores of 32 and one.
Breetzke has been brought into the squad as the reigning world champions consider changes to their batting order.
Wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne has retained his place in the squad but is expected to surrender the gloves to Ryan Rickelton.
Breetzke and uncapped batter Marques Ackerman are also in contention to feature in the top order, potentially replacing Stubbs and Verreynne in the batting line-up.
Australia’s ‘Agitator’ Label Follows Breetzke Into the Test Squad
Breetzke’s recall comes after an eventful start to South Africa’s limited-overs campaign against Australia.
The 27-year-old scored a century in the first one-day international but attracted criticism from Australian players after taking a single when a throw rebounded off his body.
Cricket Australia’s official website subsequently described the right-hander as an “Aussie agitator”, saying he had “got under Australia’s skin”.
South Africa head coach Shukri Conrad acknowledged that Breetzke’s attitude and temperament played a part in the decision to bring him into the squad.
“The attitude and character that Matt brings and has, I think that will go a long way,” Conrad said.
Breetzke’s Test Record Contrasts With His ODI Form
Despite his strong performances in one-day cricket, Breetzke has yet to establish himself at Test level.
He has appeared in two previous Tests, scoring just 14 runs across three innings.
The batter has also not played a first-class match since February, making his inclusion a notable selection decision ahead of the second Test.
His limited-overs record, however, offers a different picture.
Breetzke has averaged almost 59 across his first 17 one-day internationals, establishing himself as a productive performer in South Africa’s ODI side.
Rabada Could Return for South Africa
South Africa are also expected to consider the return of fast bowler Kagiso Rabada, who missed the opening Test while recovering from a hamstring injury.
The pace leader’s potential availability comes as the hosts prepare for the second match of the three-Test series, which begins on Sunday in Gqeberha.
South Africa must avoid defeat in the match to prevent Australia from securing the series with one game remaining.
The first-Test loss was also the first defeat suffered by South Africa during Temba Bavuma’s 13-match tenure as captain.
Australia Face Selection Decisions Over Green and Inglis
Australia have their own team-selection questions to address, with injuries affecting their batting combination during the opening Test.
Cameron Green and Josh Inglis were both unavailable for the match, opening the door for Nic Maddinson to make his first Test appearance in a decade.
Maddinson was selected despite not having played a first-class match for 19 months, a period during which he underwent treatment for testicular cancer.
His inclusion prompted Matthew Renshaw to move down the batting order to number five, where the left-hander delivered the best performance of his career.
Born in Middlesbrough, Renshaw scored 190 and 82 in the first Test and also claimed two wickets with his off-spin bowling.
Australia Monitor Green and Inglis’ Fitness
Australia head coach Andrew McDonald has provided updates on the recovery of both injured players.
Green, who is recovering from an abdominal injury, is “progressing well”, according to McDonald.
Inglis has also resumed batting after breaking a finger.
The availability of either player could influence Australia’s batting order for the second Test.
If Green or Inglis, or both, are declared fit, Maddinson could make way, while Renshaw may return to the opening position.
