Breetzke recalled as South Africa seek response to Australia

South Africa have recalled Matthew Breetzke for the second Test against Australia after their 214-run defeat in Durban, dropping Tristan Stubbs as they try to keep the three-match series alive.

Breetzke joins the squad while wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne remains in it. Ryan Rickelton is expected to take the gloves, with Breetzke and uncapped Marques Ackerman likely to come into the top order, BBC Sport reports. [1]

Breetzke’s temperament was among the reasons for his selection, South Africa coach Shukri Conrad said. The 27-year-old drew the Australians’ ire during the tour after taking a single when a throw rebounded off his body. Cricket Australia’s website called him an “Aussie agitator” who had “got under Australia’s skin”.

The right-hander has played two Tests, scoring 14 runs across three innings, and has not appeared in first-class cricket since February. His one-day international record is stronger: he averages almost 59 across 17 matches, including a century against Australia earlier in the tour.

South Africa must avoid defeat in the second Test, which starts on Sunday in Gqeberha, to prevent Australia from securing the series with a match to spare. Captain Temba Bavuma’s side lost the first Test by 214 runs, its first defeat in his 13 matches in charge.

Kagiso Rabada is likely to return after missing the Durban Test while recovering from a hamstring injury. Australia are also weighing changes: Cameron Green is recovering from an abdominal injury, while Josh Inglis has resumed batting after breaking a finger. Their availability could affect the place of Nic Maddinson, who returned to the Test side in Durban after treatment for testicular cancer. Matthew Renshaw scored 190 and 82 in that match and took two wickets.