South Africa have confirmed their enjoying XI for the third and deciding Take a look at in opposition to Australia, scheduled to start at Newlands in Cape City on October 27. The 2 groups are degree at 1-1 after the primary two Exams, the Proteas will look to safe the collection with a victory on dwelling soil.
Captain Temba Bavuma has made one change to the facet that received the second Take a look at by an innings and 31 runs. Quick bowler Anrich Nortje has been dominated out with a groin damage, opening the door for Gerald Coetzee to return to the longest format after nearly two years away.
Gerald Coetzee replaces injured Anrich Nortje
Coetzee will make his first Take a look at look since November 2024 after being chosen as Nortje’s substitute. Nortje sustained a groin damage throughout the second Take a look at in Gqeberha after bowling simply 3.3 overs in Australia’s first innings. The 26-year-old Coetzee has performed solely two first-class matches since his final Take a look at look, most just lately representing South Africa A in opposition to Bangladesh A in August. He took three wickets for 31 runs in a single innings and one for 29 within the different.
Captain Bavuma defined that Coetzee’s additional tempo and skill to function an enforcer made him the closest substitute for Nortje. The correct-arm fast was most well-liked over Corbin Bosch and Dane Paterson as South Africa look to take care of their aggressive fast-bowling method. Coetzee rose to prominence throughout the 2023 ODI World Cup however has since endured a number of damage setbacks, together with facet strains, pectoral issues and groin points.
Additionally READ: Anrich Nortje ruled out as South Africa announce squad for third Test against Australia
South Africa stick to Simon Harmer as their specialist spinner
South Africa have retained Simon Harmer as their sole specialist spinner, leaving skilled left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj out of the enjoying XI as soon as once more. Harmer featured within the second Take a look at and was most well-liked as a result of his off-spin turns away from Australia’s quite a few left-handed batters. Maharaj is South Africa’s main Take a look at spinner, with 220 wickets, however the workforce administration has opted for a distinct matchup in opposition to Australia’s batting order.
Bavuma acknowledged that leaving Maharaj out was a troublesome choice, given his contribution to the workforce over time. The Proteas levelled the collection with a commanding victory in Port Elizabeth after Australia received the opening Take a look at in Durban by 214 runs. As reigning World Take a look at Champions, South Africa will now goal to hold their momentum into the decisive encounter at Newlands.
South Africa enjoying XI for third Take a look at: Aiden Markram, Marques Ackermann, David Bedingham, Temba Bavuma (c), Matthew Breetzke, Ryan Rickelton (wk), Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Simon Harmer, Gerald Coetzee, Kagiso Rabada
Taking part in XI for Third Dafabet Take a look at vs Australia 🚨#TheProteas skipper, Temba Bavuma, confirms the enjoying XI for tomorrow’s third and remaining Dafabet Take a look at, with the collection on the road at YesPlay Newlands. 🇿🇦
🔁 One change for #TheProteas sees Gerald Coetzee coming in for Anrich… pic.twitter.com/lRZobnN0OQ
— Proteas Males (@ProteasMenCSA) October 26, 2026
Additionally READ: WTC 2025-27 Points Table [UPDATED]: South Africa strengthen third spot after innings victory over Australia in 2nd Test
