Former South Africa batsman Herschelle Gibbs has advocated for dramatic changes to the Proteas line-up ahead of the second Test against Australia, which is planned for October 18-22, 2026 at St George’s Park in Gqeberha.
Herschelle Gibbs wants spinner Kagiso Rabada to replace Simon Harmer, uncapped Marques Ackerman to replace Kyle Verreynne, and Ryan Rickelton to drop down the order and take over wicketkeeping duties. Gibbs detailed his ideal bowling attack as a pace trio of Rabada, Marco Jansen, and Anrich Nortje, backed up by all-rounder Wiaan Mulder and spinner Keshav Maharaj.
The call comes after South Africa lost the first Test in Durban, failing to chase 421 runs and being bowled out for 206 in their second innings, with Josh Hazlewood claiming six wickets. The defeat interrupted Temba Bavuma’s 12-match unbeaten streak as South Africa’s captain.
“Kg comes in harmer, so three quicks plus Mulder and Maharaj, Ackerman in for Verreynner, and Rick shifts down and keeps. “There are no dramas,” Gibbs stated in a post on X (previously Twitter).
Rabada was ruled out of the first Test owing to a hamstring injury received after the IPL, and his exact fitness status and availability for selection in the second Test are yet to be formally verified. Matt Renshaw had struck 190 off 397 balls in Australia’s first innings at Durban, putting the Proteas bowlers under constant pressure.
Why is Gibbs advocating for adjustments to the batting lineup?
Gibbs cited Verreynne and Rickelton’s poor recent performances as factors for the suggested changes. Verreynne has not scored a fifty-plus in his last eight Tests, totaling only 220 runs in 13 innings at an average of 20 since his century against Pakistan in January 2025. Rickelton, meanwhile, has only two fifty-plus innings in 12 Tests as an opener, the last of which was a 71 against Pakistan in Lahore in October 2025. He also scored in single digits in the first Test at Durban.
Gibbs requested that Rickelton move down the order and become wicketkeeper, while Ackerman, who has yet to earn a Test cap, replaces Verreynne in the middle order. Ackerman had a considerable first-class record, scoring 5,986 runs in 85 matches at an average of 48.66, with 16 centuries and 31 fifties.
What is the series situation ahead of the Gqeberha Test?
Australia leads the two-match Test series 1-0 following their victory in Durban. South Africa now faces the prospect of having to win at St George’s Park in Gqeberha to level the series. The second test is slated to start on October 18, 2026.
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South Africa’s batting was exposed by the Australian speed attack in the first Test, and Rabada’s absence from the bowling attack was noticeable throughout the contest. It is unclear whether Rabada will be declared fit in time for selection, and the official squad announcement will determine how many of Gibbs’ recommended alterations are implemented.
Riya Malhotra writes detailed cricket analysis covering player performances, match statistics, pitch conditions, and team strategies. Her goal is to make complex cricket topics simple and engaging for readers.
