South Africa call up Matthew Breetzke after heavy first-Test defeat

South Africa have called up Matthew Breetzke to their squad for the second Test against Australia in Gqeberha, which starts on Sunday, after a heavy first-Test defeat by the tourists.

Tristan Stubbs has been omitted for the second Test after scores of 32 and one in Durban, with Breetzke added to the side in his place; wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne remains in the squad but will not keep, leaving Ryan Rickelton in line for the gloves. The uncapped Marques Ackerman is also expected to enter the top order alongside Breetzke, with both set to replace Stubbs and Verreynne.

Earlier in the tour Breetzke scored a century in the first one-day international and drew criticism for taking a single after a throw rebounded off his body; Cricket Australia's own website said he "got under Australia's skin" and described him as an "Aussie agitator." South Africa coach Shukri Conrad said of the recall: "The attitude and character that Matt brings and has, I think that will go a long way," said Conrad.

Breetzke has two previous Test appearances, scoring 14 runs in three innings, and has not played a first-class match since February. By contrast, he has begun his one-day international career strongly, averaging almost 59 from 17 matches.

South Africa need to avoid defeat in the second Test to prevent losing the three-match series with a game to spare; their opening-match loss to Australia was by 214 runs. That defeat was the first for the world champions under captain Temba Bavuma in 13 matches in charge.

The hosts are likely to include pace leader Kagiso Rabada after he missed the first Test while recovering from a hamstring injury. The selection of Rabada would bolster South Africa's attack for the match in Gqeberha.

Australia were forced into changes for the first Test by injuries to Cameron Green and Josh Inglis, which led to Nic Maddinson’s first Test in 10 years; Maddinson had not played a first-class game in the previous 19 months following treatment for testicular cancer. With Matthew Renshaw shuffled down the order, the Middlesbrough-born left-hander scored 190 and 82 and took two wickets with his off-breaks.

Australia head coach Andrew McDonald said Green is "progressing well" from an abdominal injury, while Inglis has started batting again after suffering a broken finger. If either or both are passed fit, Maddinson could be omitted and Renshaw pushed back up to open.

The second Test in Gqeberha starts on Sunday and carries decisive series implications for South Africa, who must avoid defeat to keep the three-match contest alive.