Last Updated on 12 seconds ago by Charbel Coorey

South Africa’s heavy 214-run defeat in Durban has them seeking a strong response in the Gqeberha Test which begins on Sunday. The Proteas have made a change, with Tristan Stubbs dropped for Matthew Breetzke after the former was dismissed in ungainly fashion in both innings of the series opener.

Also, coach Shukri Conrad confirmed Ryan Rickelton will take the gloves, but said the left-hander is a chance of opening the batting. Kyle Verreynne remains in the squad, but his spot in the XI is under threat as a result.

South Africa squad for second Test against Australia: Temba Bavuma (c), Marques Ackerman, David Bedingham, Matthew Breetzke, Corbin Bosch, Gerald Coetzee, Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Anrich Nortje, Dane Paterson, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Kyle Verreynne

South Africa possible 11 for 2nd Test against Australia at Gqeberha: Kagiso Rabada set to return

Here is a look at CricBlog’s possible South African XI for their must-win Test:

1. Aiden Markram, 2. Marques Ackerman, 3. David Bedingham, 4. Temba Bavuma (c), 5. Matthew Breetzke, 6. Ryan Rickelton (wk), 7. Wiaan Mulder, 8. Marco Jansen, 9. Kagiso Rabada, 10. Keshav Maharaj, 11. Anrich Nortje

South Africa have a few calls to make. Given Rickelton will take the gloves, he will likely drop down the order. Marques Ackermann, who typically bats at three or four in First Class cricket, was spotted facing the new ball at training. He averages 48.66 in 85 First Class matches.

Former Proteas batsman Herschelle Gibbs has backed Ackermann to bat at the top of the order. The left-hander hit scores of 107 and 60 in his last First Class match for Dolphins against Western Province a month ago.

“Ackerman’s batted 3 in first class so could easily become an opener. Breekzke at 5 and ricks at 6 with the gloves. Can’t expect to open and keep .. his back would snap,” Gibbs wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

On the bowling front, South Africa are set to be boosted by the return of Kagiso Rabada. The great fast bowler was originally in doubt for the series due to a hamstring injury, but he looks to have a recovered well. He will likely take the place of one of the spinners as the Gqeberha conditions will likely suit the quicks with rain forecast on the opening two days.

Keshav Maharaj is usually first choice, but could South Africa prefer Simon Harmer? Australia have more left-handers in their lineup, but Maharaj does have a strong record at St. George’s Park with 33 wickets at 23.88.

Also, the Proteas have a decision on the final fast bowler. Anrich Nortje showed plenty of promising signs in his first Test in over three years, but will the hosts be willing to play him again? Corbin Bosch, Dane Paterson and Gerald Coetzee are the other options.