Australia opt to bowl first in second Test as Proteas hand debut to Ackerman
The South African team shows three changes from the side that lost the first Test.
In the second Test of the three-match series, Australia opted to field first against South Africa. The toss was won by the home team, who chose to bowl first. This decision comes after Australia secured a commanding 214-run victory in the previous Test in Durban. South Africa has included debutant Marques Ackerman, who will open the batting alongside Aiden Markram.
Ryan Rickelton, who has taken over from Kyle Verreynne as wicket-keeper, will be batting down the order. Matthew Breetzke returns to the middle-order after playing a Test in both 2024 and 2025. The only change in the Australian lineup is the return of fast bowler Kagiso Rabada, who had been sidelined with a hamstring injury. South Africa has omitted Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj, Senuran Muthusamy, and Verreynne from their squad.
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