Gqeberha, 15 October (H.S.): South Africa have made one change to their 17-member squad for the second Test against Australia, bringing in Matthew Breetzke in place of Tristan Stubbs. Ryan Rickelton will take over wicketkeeping duties. The second Test between the two sides will begin on Sunday in Gqeberha. South Africa suffered a 214-run defeat in the opening Test in Durban.

Breetzke has played only two Test matches so far. However, his impressive recent performances in one-day international cricket have helped him secure a place in the squad. Head coach Shukri Conrad said Breetzke had previously been part of the team setup and that his outstanding form in ODI cricket had strengthened his case for selection this time.

“Matt has been part of the squad before. His performances in one-day cricket have been exceptional at the moment, which has given him an added advantage in securing a place in the team. More importantly, the attitude and personality he brings with him are valuable to the side,” Conrad said.

Rickelton to Take Over Wicketkeeping Duties

South Africa head coach Shukri Conrad has confirmed that Rickelton will keep wickets in the upcoming Test. The decision could raise questions about Kyle Verreynne’s place in the playing XI. With Rickelton assuming wicketkeeping responsibilities, changes to the batting order are also possible.

Conrad said, “With Ricks taking over the wicketkeeping duties, we will have a few decisions to make. We need to consider whether to move him down the batting order or allow him to continue opening the innings. He has opened the batting before.”

South Africa Squad for the Second Test

Temba Bavuma (captain), Marques Ackerman, David Bedingham, Matthew Breetzke, Corbin Bosch, Gerald Coetzee, Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Anrich Nortje, Dane Paterson, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton and Kyle Verreynne.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar