Coetzee to make Test cricket return against Australia at Newlands

October 26, 2026 36

Proteas fast bowler, Gerald Coetzee, will make his return to the longest format of the game after almost two years, as he replaces Anrich Nortje in the South African side for the final match of the ongoing ICC World Test Championship 2025/27 series against Australia.

The remainder of the side is unchanged from the team that secured an emphatic innings victory in Gqeberha.

Coetzee made his Test debut against the West Indies at Centurion in February 2023, taking three wickets. His most recent appearance in the format was against Sri Lanka in November 2024. He has played four Tests, taking 14 wickets at an average of 23.57.

Already an important member of South Africa’s white-ball setup, Coetzee made a significant impact at the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup, finishing as the Proteas’ leading wicket-taker with 20 wickets in eight matches. The fast bowler will be looking to strengthen the attack in the crucial Cape Town Test.

Australia won the opening Test at Kingsmead in Durban by 214 runs. They posted 390 in their first innings before declaring at 314/6 in the second. South Africa, chasing 421 for victory, were bowled out for 206 after scoring 284 in their first innings.

The hosts responded emphatically at St George’s Park in Gqeberha, winning the second Test by an innings and 31 runs. South Africa declared their first innings at 425/9 before bowling Australia out for 99. After enforcing the follow-on, they dismissed the visitors for 295 to level the series.

South Africa XI for Cape Town Test:

Temba Bavuma (c), Aiden Markram, Marques Ackerman, David Bedingham, Matthew Breetzke, Ryan Rickelton (wk), Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Simon Harmer, Gerald Coetzee, Kagiso Rabada.

Matchday -1! 🇿🇦

One final training session before #TheProteas take on Australia in the Dafabet Test series decider at YesPlay Newlands! 🏟️🏏

The stage is set for a massive showdown in Cape Town! 😎

#Unbreakable #SAvAUS https://t.co/rOGH5TODk3

— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) October 26, 2026