South African head coach Shukri Conrad axed batsman Tristan Stubbs and wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne on Thursday when he announced his squad for the second Test against Australia starting Sunday.

Stubbs was dropped from the squad altogether while Verreynne remains as back-up wicketkeeper.

Watch Australia’s Tour of South Africa Live & Exclusive on Fox Cricket, available on Kayo Sports. Second Test begins October 18.

Conrad signalled a major shake-up of the batting order, saying Ryan Rickelton would keep wicket, which could mean he is shifted down the order after two failures as an opener in the 214-run defeat in the first Test in Durban.

South Africa seem set to make at least three changes as it is likely fast bowler Kagiso Rabada will return after missing the Durban Test as he continued rehabilitation following a hamstring injury.

South Africa’s Tristan Stubbs walks back to the pavilion after his dismissal on day four of the first Test match between South Africa and Australia at the Kingsmead stadium in Durban on October 12, 2026. (Photo by Marco Longari / AFP)Source: AFP

Conrad expressed frustration with the batting after the Durban defeat, saying South Africa relied too much on “lower-order runs”, with Aiden Markram and captain Temba Bavuma the only top-order batsmen contributing consistently.

Matthew Breetzke was added to the squad after scoring heavily in one-day internationals and could open with the uncapped Marques Ackerman the other candidate.

“Matt has been part of the squad before,” Conrad said.

“The fact that his ODI form is as hot as it is gave him an inside lane and more importantly, it’s the attitude and the character Matt brings and has.

“With Ricks taking the gloves, there are decisions to be made over whether he does move down the order or whether he can continue to open the batting, which he has done before.”

– with Fox Cricket

South Africa squad

Temba Bavuma (capt), 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.