Proteas coach Shukri Conrad made several important decisions following the team's loss to Australia in the first Test, which ended with a margin of 214 runs in Kingsmead this week.
Conrad completely excluded middle-order batsman Tristan Stubbs from the squad list for the second Test, which starts on Sunday at St George's Park. In his place, teammate Matthew Britzke from Warriors and Sunrisers Eastern Cape was called up.
Stubbs, who is 26 years old, showed mediocre results in the ODI series before the first Test, and subsequently suffered two defeats in Durban. Meanwhile, Britzke demonstrated good form during the ODI series and may play his third Test.
Conrad stated: 'One change in the squad is that Tristan Stubbs unfortunately will not be in the team, and he will be replaced by Matthew Britzke.' He added that Matt was previously part of the squad, playing in one Test match in Bangladesh and participating in matches in Zimbabwe. 'The fact that his form in the 50-over format and in ODIs was so hot gave him a chance, as well as, more importantly, the attitude and character that Matt brings, I think that will help a lot.'
Conrad's patience regarding wicketkeeper Kyle Verreyn finally ended, as the Cobras player passed batting duties to Ryan Rickelton. However, it is not yet decided whether the left-hander will be demoted in the playing order from his current position as an opener.
Verreyn will remain in the squad in Gqeberha, but Conrad confirmed that Rickelton will take over wicketkeeping duties at St George's Park. Conrad noted: 'Another notable piece of news is that Ryan Rickelton will be playing as wicketkeeper in the second Test.' He continued that given Rickelton taking on the role of wicketkeeper, decisions need to be made about whether he will be demoted in the order or if he can continue to open and keep wickets as he did before.
Cobras top-order batsman Tony de Zorzi was also not included in the squad as he is recovering from a left hamstring injury. Conrad expressed confidence that Proteas have overcome the setbacks in Durban and can start fresh in St George's Park—a venue that has been favorable for the home team against Australia in recent years.
He concluded: 'We had the opportunity to heal and ensure we turn the ship in the right direction, and there is no better place to start than Gqeberha.' He also mentioned that they would study the conditions, noting that the weather forecast for the first day is not ideal, which requires considering several factors before finalizing the squad.
Proteas Men's Squad - 2nd Test vs Australia
The squad includes Temba Bavuma (captain), Marcus Ackermann, David Bedingham, Matthew Britzke, Corbin Bosch, Gerald Coetzee, Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Vian Mulder, Senurana Mutusami, Anrich Nortje, Dane Patterson, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, and Kyle Verreyn.