South Africa look to re-establish Test credentials after Australia mauling

South Africa is set to welcome back fast bowler Kagiso Rabada for the second Test against Australia in Gqeberha, marking his first competitive appearance since the Indian Premier League in May. Following a 214-run defeat in the opening match in Durban, the hosts are seeking to level the three-Test series while addressing significant concerns regarding their batting depth.

Head coach Shukri Conrad is considering multiple lineup changes, including the omission of Tristan Stubbs, which may open a path for Marques Ackerman's Test debut. Australia enters the match holding a 1-0 lead after Josh Hazlewood's decisive 6-49 bowling display in the first Test, though the tourists are actively monitoring the physical workload of their main pace attack ahead of Sunday's start.