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Australia Open-Minded About Batting Order, Green Still to Prove Fitness for Second Test: Coach
Matthew Breetzke returns after a century in one-day internationals, while Ryan Rickelton takes the gloves and Kagiso Rabada nears a comeback.
- Fast bowler Kagiso Rabada is closing in on a return for the second Test in Gqeberha on Sunday, October 18, 2026. Coach Shukri Conrad hopes his "Rolls Royce will be purring down the highway" after Rabada recovered from a hamstring injury.
- Following the 214-run defeat in Durban, South Africa's selectors dropped Tristan Stubbs and recalled batter Matthew Breetzke to the 17-player squad. Coach Conrad confirmed Ryan Rickelton will assume wicketkeeping duties, replacing Kyle Verreynne.
- Noting that many dismissals were "technical, tactical or mental," Coach Conrad urged the squad to adopt the "single-bloody-mindedness" shown by Aiden Markram to improve top-order stability. Both quotes are exact from source.
- Drawing on past successes at St George's Park, the Proteas defeated Australia in 2014 and 2018. Rabada was their "main weapon with the ball in the 2018 series against Australia, taking 23 wickets at 19.26 as South Africa won 3-1."
- South Africa must avoid defeat this weekend to stay alive in the three-match series. With Rabada's return, the team aims to resolve batting inconsistencies and pressure Australia's lineup in Gqeberha.
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After Durban drubbing, South Africa drop Stubbs from squad; call up player with two Test experience and eye Rabada return
The changes are likely to bring a reshuffle in South Africa's batting order for the Test, which starts on Sunday. Conrad also confirmed that Ryan Rickelton will take over as wicketkeeper.
·India
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Conrad wields axe after South Africa loss to Australia
Stubbs was dropped from the squad altogether while Verreynne remains as back-up wicketkeeper. Conrad signalled a major shake-up of the batting order, saying Ryan Rickelton would keep wicket, which could mean he is shifted down the order after two failures as an opener in the 214-run defeat in the first Test in Durban. South Africa seem set to make at least three changes as it is likely fast bowler Kagiso Rabada will return after missing the Durb…
·Issy-les-Moulineaux, France
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Total News Sources52
Leaning Left5Leaning Right12Center12Last UpdatedBias Distribution42% Center, 41% Right
Bias Distribution
- 42% of the sources are Center, 41% of the sources lean Right
42% Center
L 17%
C 42%
R 41%
Factuality
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