South Africa Calls Up Matthew Breetzke for Second Test Against Australia
Batter included after team's heavy first-Test defeat and controversy involving the player.
South Africa has added batter Matthew Breetzke to their squad for the second Test against Australia, responding to a significant defeat in the opening match of the series. Breetzke replaces Tristan Stubbs, who was excluded after scores of 32 and one in the first Test in Durban. Kyle Verreynne will also lose the wicketkeeping gloves to Ryan Rickelton, with Breetzke and uncapped Marques Ackerman potentially entering the top order.
Breetzke, described by Cricket Australia's website as an "Aussie agitator," drew attention earlier in the tour when he took a quick single after a throw deflected off his body. South Africa coach Shukri Conrad acknowledged that Breetzke's temperament was a consideration in his selection. "The attitude and character that Matt brings and has, I think that will go a long way," Conrad stated.
Despite Breetzke's limited Test experience, having scored only 14 runs in three innings across two previous matches and not playing first-class cricket since February, he has had a strong start to his one-day international career, averaging nearly 59 runs from 17 games.
The second Test, set to begin on Sunday in Gqeberha, is crucial for South Africa, who must avoid a loss to prevent conceding the three-match series with a game remaining. The 214-run defeat in the first Test marked the first loss for the world champions under captain Temba Bavuma in 13 matches.
The South African team is also expected to feature pace bowler Kagiso Rabada, who missed the first Test as he recovered from a hamstring injury.