South Africa look to re-establish Test credentials after Australia mauling
South Africa will seek to show their heady ascent to the top of the Test cricket pile was no accident as they bid to level the series against Australia in the second Test, starting on Sunday in Gqeberha.
Key points
- South Africa aim to level the three-Test series against Australia in Gqeberha after losing the first Test by 214 runs in Durban.
- Coach Shukri Conrad said the team has been heavily reliant on Temba Bavuma, Aiden Markram and lower-order runs.
- Kagiso Rabada returns for South Africa, while Australia may bring in Scott Boland to manage fast bowlers' workloads.
South Africa will try to level their three-Test series against Australia when the second Test begins on Sunday in Gqeberha. The hosts lost the first Test in Durban by 214 runs, a result that raised doubts about their standing as world Test champions.
South Africa won the World Test Championship final against Australia at Lord's in London last year, but their path to the final drew debate because they played fewer Tests than England and India and were seen as having an easier qualifying schedule.
Batting concerns and team changes
Coach Shukri Conrad said after the Durban defeat that South Africa had been too dependent on captain Temba Bavuma, opener Aiden Markram and the lower order. He said Australia had exposed the team's batting fragility at Kingsmead.
Several changes are expected for the second Test. Matthew Breetzke is set to open again with Markram, while Ryan Rickelton is likely to replace Kyle Verreynne as wicketkeeper and bat lower. Tristan Stubbs has been omitted, possibly opening the door for Marques Ackerman to make his Test debut.
Paceman Kagiso Rabada returns for his first outing since the Indian Premier League in May, meaning South Africa will drop one spinner.
We've been heavily reliant on (captain) Temba (Bavuma) and (opener) Aiden Markram and then the lower order runs
— Shukri Conrad
Australia selection and pitch conditions
Australia's selection is also awaited. With Cameron Green's return from injury likely delayed, they may avoid changes after their emphatic win, though Scott Boland could come in as they monitor the workloads of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc, who each bowled at least 29 overs in the first Test.
Persistent rain and damp conditions are forecast for Gqeberha, especially on the opening two days, raising the prospect of delays or a shortened match at St George's Park. Fast bowler Josh Hazlewood said abrasive pitches in South Africa help reverse swing and that it was crucial in Durban, where he took a career-best 6-49 in the last innings.
