Get the appGerald Coetzee will make his Test return for South Africa in the third match against Australia at Newlands. The 26-year-old replaces Anrich Nortje, who injured his groin after bowling only 3.3 overs in the second Test. Captain Temba Bavuma said Coetzee's consistent pace above 140kph earned him the spot. It will be Coetzee's first Test in almost two years. Keshav Maharaj misses out again, with Simon Harmer retained as the spinner.
Australia trails South Africa by 170 runs with six wickets in hand and one day remaining in the second Test at St George's Park. The team was bowled out for 99 and forced to follow on.
Australia's fast bowlers gained the upper hand on a rain-affected second day of the second Test against South Africa in Gqeberha. Scott Boland took four wickets for 31 runs as South Africa closed at 5-96. Captain Temba Bavuma remained unbeaten on 41 after a fightback with Ryan Rickelton. Matthew Renshaw's reflex catch ended Rickelton's innings on 31 late in the day. Better weather is forecast for the final three days, with hopes of a result on a pitch expected to improve for batting.
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Get the appEmily Chancellor has announced her retirement from international rugby, with her final game for the Wallaroos set to be against Scotland on Friday at Canberra Stadium. The 35-year-old back-rower said she had not known women's rugby existed while growing up. She made her debut against New Zealand in 2018 and has played 41 Tests. Chancellor said she was proud of the growth she had seen in the team and the number of players she has shared the squad with.
Australia dropped spinner Nathan Lyon for the second Test against South Africa in Gqeberha. The selectors have a record of making tough calls, and this one leaves Australia without a frontline spinner in conditions that usually favour spin. Pace bowler Scott Boland took an early wicket by removing Aiden Markram on the first day. Former players have criticised several recent selections, but coach Andrew McDonald says the team's logic is sound and the group is strong enough to handle the criticism.
Rain has almost entirely washed out the first day of Australia's second Test against South Africa in Gqeberha. Scott Boland struck twice in two balls during a brief spell of play, leaving South Africa at 2-20 after 12.2 overs. Boland was included ahead of spinner Nathan Lyon, giving Australia four seamers on a green pitch. Play stopped again after only a handful of overs following rain. Marques Arkerman will resume on 5 not out alongside captain Temba Bavuma on 4 not out on day two.
Live coverage follows the second Test between Australia and South Africa in Gqeberha, with the full scorecard and wicket replays available through the match centre. Day five is scheduled to begin with a second session from 12pm to 2.30pm, followed by a third session from 2.50pm to 5.45pm. Up to 82 overs may be bowled across the day, with at least 15 overs required in the final hour, subject to light and weather conditions.
Australia's Diamonds narrowly lost 56-50 to New Zealand's Silver Ferns in the opening Constellation Cup netball match, held in Auckland. Despite a late rally, the visitors fell short of victory.
Australian captain Pat Cummins expects Matt Renshaw to stay at number five for the second Test against South Africa in Gqeberha. Renshaw scored 190 and 82 after being recalled as an opener against Bangladesh, and he accepted the switch in role without hesitation. Nic Maddinson is likely to keep his place and open alongside Travis Head. Cummins also confirmed Cameron Green remains sidelined with an abdominal strain, while Josh Inglis is close to being declared fit. Rain is forecast over the opening two days, which could affect whether Australia plays a fourth quick bowler or retains spinner Nathan Lyon.
Australia's selectors face a difficult choice before the second Test in Gqeberha, with Cameron Green and Josh Inglis pushing for comebacks. Matthew Renshaw's big Durban Test, including 190 and 82, has left the batting order open. Coach Andrew McDonald said Renshaw and Nic Maddinson could bat anywhere from one to six. Green is progressing from an abdominal strain but cannot bowl, while Inglis is recovering from a broken finger. Captain Pat Cummins and key bowlers are being monitored after heavy workloads.
Cooper Connolly's Test selection hangs in the balance as Australia assesses his fitness ahead of the first Test in South Africa. The 23-year-old, currently battling a head cold, trained normally but travelled separately from the team. With Cameron Green and Josh Inglis sidelined, Connolly and Nic Maddinson are vying for a spot in the XI. Australia will decide on its lineup based on pitch conditions, while South Africa has confirmed two spinners in their team. Captain Pat Cummins emphasised the importance of a grinding approach in the upcoming match.
Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg has acknowledged that the Sydney New Year Test's future beyond 2032 is uncertain. Big Bash League franchise owners may seek more player availability, potentially impacting the fixture. Greenberg noted the test's current contracts extend until 2032, but future scheduling remains under review. He emphasised the need to balance revenue maximisation with preserving cricket traditions. Meanwhile, Australia is exploring a potential five-test series against South Africa, despite scheduling challenges.
The first Test between South Africa and Australia begins in Durban on October 9, with both teams fielding strong squads. South Africa has included 18 players, notably recalling batter Marques Ackerman and monitoring the fitness of key pacers. Australia faces selection challenges due to injuries, with Nic Maddinson and Sam Harper called up as replacements. The match will be broadcast exclusively on Kayo and Fox Cricket, with live scores and post-play analysis available through cricket.com.au.
Cameron Green will miss the first Test against South Africa in Durban due to an abdominal injury. Coach Andrew McDonald said Green is unlikely to bowl in the series, even if he returns for the remaining two Tests. The injury has left Australia with a choice between Cooper Connolly or Nic Maddinson for the number five batting spot in the first Test, which begins on Friday night, AEST.