After overcoming South Africa in the first Test, Australia are set to face South Africa in the second Test that begins on October 18 in Gqeberha. The visitors, who are riding a wave of confidence after securing a big win in the series opener, enjoyed the collective after stumbling a bit in the start. Matt Renshaw played a heroic knock of 190 off 397 in the first innings to yank Australia out of trouble.
With a valuable innings, he also ended a nine-year century drought in the format. In the second innings as well, Renshaw continued his commanding, powering his way to a beautiful 82 off 99. Nic Maddinson hit 48 and Beau Webster stroked 39* in the second innings as Australia overcame the Proteas comfortably. South Africa, on the other hand, face the challenge of bouncing back from a disappointing defeat.
In the wake of defeat, South Africa dropped Tristan Stubbs from the squad ahead of the second game. Meanwhile, the decision to hand wicketkeeping responsibilities to Ryan Rickelton has indicated that Kyle Verreynne could miss out, potentially opening the door for another change in the middle order. Matthew Breetzke, who has played two Test matches to date, is likely to get the nod.
South Africa have also been boosted by the return of Kagiso Rabada, who was in contention for the opening Test in Durban, but the team management opted not to rush him back as he continued his recovery from a hamstring injury. Amid this, Australian batter Josh Inglis has returned to the squad after returning home due to a broken finger.
Head-to-head
Matches - 102
SA won - 26
AUS won - 55
Drawn - 21
South Africa likely XI: Aiden Markram, Matthew Breetzke, David Bedingham, Temba Bavuma (c), Marques Ackerman, Ryan Rickelton (wk), Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Anrigh Nortje
Australia likely XI : Travis Head, Nic Maddinson, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Matthew Renshaw, Alex Carey (wk), Beau Webster, Pat Cummins (c), Mitch Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood