South Africa recall Breetzke and drop Stubbs after first-Test defeat

South Africa have recalled Matthew Breetzke and dropped Tristan Stubbs from their squad for the second Test against Australia after a 214-run defeat in Durban. Cricket Australia's website reported that Breetzke was included in a 17-player group for the match at St George's Park in Gqeberha, which starts on October 18.

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The changes extend to wicketkeeping, with Ryan Rickelton set to take over the gloves from Kyle Verreynne after opening the batting in the first Test. Verreynne remains in the squad. Breetzke and uncapped batter Marques Ackerman are both in line for places in the side, according to Cricket Australia, although their inclusion in the final XI was not confirmed in the report.

BBC Sport reported that Stubbs was omitted after scoring 32 and one in Durban. The defeat was South Africa's first in Temba Bavuma's 13 Tests as captain, leaving the reigning world champions needing to avoid another loss to keep the three-match series alive. Australia can therefore secure the series before the final Test if they win in Gqeberha.

Breetzke's recent one-day form offers a contrast to his limited Test record. According to the BBC, the 27-year-old has scored only 14 runs across three innings in two Tests and has not played a first-class match since February. In one-day internationals, however, he averages almost 59 after 17 appearances. Coach Shukri Conrad also identified the batter's attitude and character as factors behind the recall.

Earlier on the tour, Breetzke scored 112 in South Africa's victory in the opening ODI at Kingsmead. Cricket Australia reported that he also frustrated the visitors by taking a single after a throw struck his body and rebounded. That innings gave the recalled batter a recent century against the same opposition, albeit in a different format.

South Africa also hope to welcome back Kagiso Rabada following his hamstring injury. His availability remains uncertain, while Cricket Australia reported a further question over whether Anrich Nortje could play again after a four-day turnaround following his first long-form appearance in three years. The third Test is scheduled for October 27-31 at Newlands in Cape Town.