Proteas Name Playing XI For Australia Series Decider As Coetzee Replaces Injured Nortje

The Proteas have confirmed their starting XI for Tuesday’s decisive third Test against Australia at Newlands in Cape Town, with Gerald Coetzee replacing the injured Anrich Nortje in the only change to the team.

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Captain Temba Bavuma has opted for continuity following the Proteas’ impressive comeback in Gqeberha, where they levelled the three-match series at 1-1 to set up a winner-takes-all showdown.

Coetzee’s inclusion strengthens a formidable South African bowling attack featuring Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen and Simon Harmer, although Nortje’s absence is a significant blow ahead of the crucial encounter.

The selectors have also retained Matthew Breetzke in the middle order after he replaced the out-of-form Tristan Stubbs for the second Test.

Ryan Rickelton will continue behind the stumps and bat at No.6, with Kyle Verreynne once again missing out on the starting XI.

With the series on the line, the Proteas will be hoping their revamped batting line-up can deliver against Australia’s world-class bowling attack, while the return of Rabada for the second Test has given the hosts a major boost in their pursuit of a series victory.

The Proteas will take plenty of confidence from their dominant innings-and-31-run victory in the second Test, which followed Australia’s 214-run triumph in Durban.

Proteas Playing XI – Third Test

1. Aiden Markram
2. Marques Ackerman
3. David Bedingham
4. Temba Bavuma (C)
5. Matthew Breetzke
6. Ryan Rickelton (wicketkeeper)
7. Wiaan Mulder
8. Marco Jansen
9. Simon Harmer
10. Gerald Coetzee
11. Kagiso Rabada

The third Test gets underway at 10:30 SAST on Tuesday, 27 October, with South Africa looking to complete a remarkable turnaround and claim the series on home soil.