Batter dropped as South Africa name squad for second Test
South Africa has announced a 17-player squad for the second Test match against Australia, featuring the return of batter Matthew Breetzke and wicketkeeper Ryan Rickelton. The team is looking to bounce back from a 214-run loss in the opening match, with hopes that star pacer Kagiso Rabada will be fit to play.
Why it matters
This squad update is critical for the ICC World Test Championship standings, as South Africa seeks to improve its position against a top-tier rival.
### *[ICC World Test Championship 2025/27 State of Play](https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/state-of-play-as-the-icc-world-test-championship-2025-27-resumes)*
The South Africa Men’s selection panel has named a 17-player squad for the second Test against Australia, starting on Sunday, 18 October in Gqeberha.
Batter Matthew Breetzke replaces Tristan Stubbs in the squad, while Ryan Rickelton will take over the wicketkeeping duties for the second Test.
Breetzke comes into the team on the back of a solid showing in the ODI series against Australia, having scored 171 runs in three matches that included a century in Durban.
Stubbs has been short of runs for the Proteas of late, contributing just 33 runs in the first Test after a below-par showing in the ODIs.
The changes to the squad open up the possibility of an additional specialist batter featuring for South Africa.
Tony de Zorzi was not considered for selection as the left-hander continues his recovery from a left hamstring injury.
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