South Africa replace Stubbs with Breetzke for second Test

South Africa has replaced Tristan Stubbs with Matthew Breetzke in its 17-player squad for the second Test against Australia, after losing the series opener by 214 runs. The team also confirmed that Ryan Rickelton will take over wicketkeeping duties from Kyle Verreynne. The second Test is scheduled to begin in Gqeberha on Sunday, October 18. The squad announcement makes Breetzke the only replacement for Stubbs, who was left out after the Durban defeat. Verreynne remains in the squad, but Rickelton’s new role means the wicketkeeping assignment has changed. Coach Shukri Conrad said Rickelton would keep wicket, while the team was still considering whether he would continue opening the batting or move down the order. The final playing XI had not been announced in the reports, and the batting arrangement remained under discussion. South Africa’s defeat in the first Test left Australia with a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. The hosts were beaten by 214 runs in Durban, with the result prompting changes to the squad ahead of the next match. Breetzke was named in place of Stubbs, while the wicketkeeping duties were assigned to Rickelton.