Australia fast bowler Josh Hazlewood believes reverse swing could once again prove crucial in the upcoming Test against South Africa in Gqeberha, following its significant impact in Australia's series-opening victory in Durban. Australia made effective use of reverse swing on the abrasive Kingsmead surface, helping them secure a series lead. Hazlewood acknowledged that the ability to generate reverse swing provided the Australian attack with an important additional weapon, particularly on pitches where conventional seam movement is limited. The experienced pacer produced a career-best performance in Durban, finishing with figures of 6 for 49 as Australia wrapped up the match with the second new ball. Abrasive Conditions Helped Australia Generate Reverse Swing Reverse swing has not been a prominent feature of Australia's home Tests in recent years, largely because of the greener, seam-friendly pitches used across the country. However, the conditions in South Africa offered a different challenge, with the hard surface and abrasive square accelerating the ball's deterioration. Australia had looked for reverse swing during their two-day warm-up match in Potchefstroom before the opening Test, but the short bowling spells provided limited opportunities to generate it. The situation changed at Kingsmead, where the ball began to show signs of reverse swing as the match progressed. The movement was particularly noticeable during South Africa's second innings, helping Australia put pressure on the home batters. Speaking about the importance of the skill, Hazlewood explained that Australian conditions often make reverse swing less noticeable. He noted that the ball tends to retain its appearance for longer on Australia's grass-covered pitches, whereas the harder, more abrasive surfaces in South Africa help it deteriorate more quickly. Hazlewood also stressed that a combination of a hard ball and a small amount of reverse swing can be more effective than excessive movement with a softer ball. According to the Australian pacer, the extra carry generated by a harder ball makes it more difficult for batters to negotiate the movement. Rabada's Potential Return Could Strengthen South Africa Reverse swing could again become a decisive factor in Gqeberha, particularly if South Africa have Kagiso Rabada available for the upcoming Test. Rabada is widely regarded as an expert exponent of reverse swing, potentially giving the home side an additional weapon against Australia's batting line-up. However, weather conditions could influence how much reverse swing comes into play. Rain has been forecast in the region, while recent rainfall has left the outfield particularly lush. Despite the wet conditions around the ground, the pitch itself was already showing signs of dryness three days before the scheduled start. Hazlewood said the nature of the surface would ultimately determine whether reverse swing became a significant factor again. He explained that a hard, firm and deteriorating pitch with limited conventional seam movement generally creates favourable conditions for reverse swing. Hazlewood Confident After Heavy Workload Hazlewood also expressed confidence in his fitness after returning to a demanding Test workload. The fast bowler has taken six-wicket hauls in two of his three Tests since returning to the side after missing the entire Ashes series. The Durban Test was his first full five-day Test since the 2023 Oval Test, excluding the rain-affected Brisbane match against India in the 2024-25 season. Asked about the nature of pitches in Australia and suggestions that conditions should be adjusted to provide a better balance between bat and ball, Hazlewood responded humorously that he would prefer matches to finish within two days. Both Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc bowled at full run-ups during Australia's training session on Friday. Starc also impressed in the centre-wicket nets while bowling to Marnus Labuschagne and Beau Webster. Boland and Neser Provide Australia with Depth Australia have considerable fast-bowling depth heading into the next Test, with Scott Boland and Michael Neser available as backup options. Boland impressed during practice, putting wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis under pressure as he returned from injury. His presence gives Australia additional flexibility if one of their frontline fast bowlers requires a break or is unavailable. Hazlewood praised Boland's consistency and suggested that the fast bowler would play an important role not only in the ongoing series but also over the next 12 to 18 months. He highlighted Boland's impressive record and the confidence he brings to the bowling group, adding that having a reliable replacement makes it easier for the frontline bowlers to manage their workloads. With Australia looking to maintain their advantage in the series, the combination of experienced fast bowlers, reliable backups and the ability to exploit reverse swing could prove decisive in Gqeberha. The upcoming Test will provide another opportunity for both sides to adapt to the conditions and use the ball effectively as they compete for control of the series.

Australia allrounder Cameron Green is in danger of missing the second Test against South Africa in Gqeberha, with a return for the series finale in Cape Town emerging as a more realistic possibility. Green returned to the nets on Thursday for the first time since sustaining an abdominal strain during the final ODI in Potchefstroom. He had spent the opening Test in Durban focusing on fitness work but remains in the early stages of his recovery. During his latest training session, Green faced gentle throwdowns before taking part in slip-catching drills on the outfield. He then continued his fitness programme under the supervision of Australia’s medical staff. Speaking ahead of Australia’s first training session at St George’s Park, assistant coach Matthew Wade suggested that the team was targeting the third Test for Green’s potential comeback. “He's here today. I'm not sure of his program, but he'll be hitting over the next week and he started to get moving last Test,” Wade said. “I think maybe more looking for the third Test, but he's starting to get moving, which is a positive sign.” Australia head coach Andrew McDonald had previously indicated that even if Green recovered sufficiently to feature in the series, he would be unlikely to bowl and would potentially be considered only as a specialist batter. Matt Renshaw Strengthens His Case at No. 5 Green’s absence in Durban forced Australia to reshuffle their batting order, with Matt Renshaw moving into the No. 5 position. Renshaw made the most of the opportunity, scoring 272 runs in the Test. Green had been expected to establish himself at No. 5 following an impressive series against Bangladesh in August. However, his injury has opened the door for Renshaw to strengthen his position in the middle order. Josh Inglis Pushes for a Return Meanwhile, wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis appears to be further along in his recovery from a fractured finger and is increasing the intensity of his batting sessions. Inglis faced Scott Boland and Michael Neser at full run-up pace in a centre-wicket net session, indicating progress in his rehabilitation. “He'll start to push for this Test,” Wade said. “Whether his finger is 100% right for this Test, I'm not sure, but he's looking to put himself on the frame.” Inglis could therefore come into contention for the Gqeberha Test, although his availability will depend on how his finger responds to the increased workload. Australia Unlikely to Make Major Changes Beau Webster’s place at No. 7 could come under consideration as Australia assess their options ahead of the second Test. However, following their commanding victory in Durban, the visitors are unlikely to make significant changes if their fast bowlers recover well from their workloads. Webster also participated in Thursday’s centre-wicket session alongside Boland and Neser as Australia continued preparations for the upcoming contest. The second Test is scheduled to begin on October 18 in Gqeberha, with rain forecast for the opening two days potentially posing an additional challenge for both teams. With Green’s recovery still in progress and Inglis working towards full fitness, Australia will closely monitor their players before finalising their combination for the second Test.

South Africa have dropped Tristan Stubbs from their squad for the second Test against Australia, with Matthew Breetzke earning a recall following his impressive performances in limited-overs cricket. The hosts have also confirmed that Ryan Rickelton will take over wicketkeeping duties for the upcoming Test. Stubbs was the only player dropped following South Africa’s defeat in the first Test in Durban. The batter scored 32 and 1 in the match, prompting the team management to make changes to the batting line-up ahead of the crucial second encounter. Breetzke, who has previously represented South Africa in two Test matches, has been included in the squad as his replacement. Although he has scored only 14 runs in Test cricket so far, his recent form in the limited-overs format has strengthened his case for selection. The right-handed batter scored a century in the first ODI against Australia in Durban, and South Africa head coach Shukri Conrad believes his current form and attitude make him a valuable addition to the squad. “Matt has been part of the squad before. The fact that his ODI form is as hot as it is gave him an inside lane and, more importantly, it’s the attitude and the character Matt brings and has,” Conrad said. Ryan Rickelton to Take Over Wicketkeeping Duties South Africa are also preparing for a significant change behind the stumps, with Rickelton set to take the wicketkeeping gloves in the second Test. The decision puts Kyle Verreynne’s place in the playing XI in doubt, particularly after he failed to score a half-century in his last 13 Test innings. Verreynne remains part of the 17-member squad but could miss out on selection. South Africa’s other wicketkeeping option, Sinethamba Qeshile, is unavailable after sustaining a hamstring injury while playing for the Titans in a domestic T20 match against the Tuskers. With Rickelton taking on wicketkeeping responsibilities, the team management must decide whether he will continue opening the batting or move down the order. His position will influence the selection of a partner for Aiden Markram at the top of the innings. “We have decisions to be made over whether he does move down the order or whether he can continue to open the batting, which he has done before,” Conrad said. Breetzke and Ackerman in Contention for Opening Role The absence of Tony de Zorzi, who continues to recover from a hamstring injury, has further complicated South Africa’s selection plans. De Zorzi was a regular opening partner for Markram during the previous World Test Championship cycle. South Africa could consider Breetzke for the opening position, while uncapped batter Marques Ackerman is another option. Ackerman generally bats in the middle order but could be given an opportunity if the team management decides to reshuffle the batting line-up. Conrad acknowledged that several factors would influence the final selection but expressed confidence that South Africa could recover from their opening defeat. “There’s a few things to consider before we look at the final XI, but we are hell of excited,” he said. “We have had the opportunity to lick our wounds and turn this ship in the right direction.” Kagiso Rabada Expected to Return South Africa have retained the rest of their squad, with fast bowler Kagiso Rabada expected to return after missing the first Test while recovering from a hamstring niggle. Rabada’s return would strengthen an already well-stocked pace attack that also includes Anrich Nortje, Marco Jansen, Wiaan Mulder, Gerald Coetzee, Dane Paterson and Corbin Bosch. The team management will monitor the workload of its fast bowlers before finalising the playing XI. Weather conditions could also influence the decision, with heavy rain forecast for the opening day on Sunday, potentially reducing the amount of play. South Africa have also retained three spin options in Keshav Maharaj, Simon Harmer and Senuran Muthusamy. However, the team is likely to select only one specialist spinner, with Maharaj and Harmer having featured in the first Test. South Africa Squad for Second Test Against Australia Temba Bavuma (captain), Marques Ackerman, David Bedingham, Matthew Breetzke, Corbin Bosch, Gerald Coetzee, Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Anrich Nortje, Dane Paterson, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton and Kyle Verreynne. South Africa will look to bounce back in the second Test in Gqeberha after losing the opening match in Durban. With changes expected in the batting order and Rabada potentially returning to the bowling attack, the hosts will aim to level the series against Australia.