South Africa ring changes after heavy Test defeat to Australia

South African head coach Shukri Conrad has swung the axe following a heavy 214-run defeat to Australia in the opening Test in Durban, making significant adjustments to his squad.

Batsman Tristan Stubbs was dropped from the squad altogether, while wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne remains in the setup strictly as a back-up option.

Conrad signalled a major shake-up of the batting order, confirming that Ryan Rickelton will take the wicketkeeping gloves for the upcoming second Test starting Sunday.

The tactical shift could see Rickelton moved down the order following two failures as an opener during the dismal batting display at Kingsmead.

Expressing frustration with the top order, Conrad noted that the Proteas relied too heavily on lower-order runs, with Aiden Markram and captain Temba Bavuma standing out as the only consistent contributors.

Matthew Breetzke has earned a recall to the squad after delivering heavy scoring form in one-day internationals, putting him in contention to open alongside uncapped Marques Ackerman.

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

“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.”

Meanwhile, fast bowler Kagiso Rabada is likely to return to the playing XI after missing the Durban fixture while continuing his rehabilitation from a hamstring injury.