South Africa have announced their playing XI for the deciding Test against Australia at Newlands in Cape Town.

Gerald Coetzee replaces the injured Anrich Nortje and returns to Test cricket after nearly two years.

South Africa have confirmed their playing XI for the third and deciding Test against Australia, scheduled to begin at Newlands in Cape Town on October 27. The two teams are level at 1-1 after the first two Tests, the Proteas will look to secure the series with a victory on home soil.

Captain Temba Bavuma has made one change to the side that won the second Test by an innings and 31 runs. Fast bowler Anrich Nortje has been ruled out with a groin injury, opening the door for Gerald Coetzee to return to the longest format after almost two years away.

Gerald Coetzee replaces injured Anrich Nortje

Coetzee will make his first Test appearance since November 2024 after being selected as Nortje’s replacement. Nortje sustained a groin injury during the second Test in Gqeberha after bowling just 3.3 overs in Australia’s first innings. The 26-year-old Coetzee has played only two first-class matches since his last Test appearance, most recently representing South Africa A against Bangladesh A in August. He took three wickets for 31 runs in one innings and one for 29 in the other.

Captain Bavuma explained that Coetzee’s extra pace and ability to serve as an enforcer made him the closest replacement for Nortje. The right-arm quick was preferred over Corbin Bosch and Dane Paterson as South Africa look to maintain their aggressive fast-bowling approach. Coetzee rose to prominence during the 2023 ODI World Cup but has since endured several injury setbacks, including side strains, pectoral problems and groin issues.

South Africa stick with Simon Harmer as their specialist spinner

South Africa have retained Simon Harmer as their sole specialist spinner, leaving experienced left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj out of the playing XI once again. Harmer featured in the second Test and was preferred because his off-spin turns away from Australia’s numerous left-handed batters. Maharaj is South Africa’s leading Test spinner, with 220 wickets, but the team management has opted for a different matchup against Australia’s batting order.

Bavuma acknowledged that leaving Maharaj out was a difficult decision, given his contribution to the team over the years. The Proteas levelled the series with a commanding victory in Port Elizabeth after Australia won the opening Test in Durban by 214 runs. As reigning World Test Champions, South Africa will now aim to carry their momentum into the decisive encounter at Newlands.

South Africa playing XI for 3rd Test: Aiden Markram, Marques Ackermann, David Bedingham, Temba Bavuma (c), Matthew Breetzke, Ryan Rickelton (wk), Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Simon Harmer, Gerald Coetzee, Kagiso Rabada

Playing XI for Third Dafabet Test vs Australia 🚨#TheProteas skipper, Temba Bavuma, confirms the playing XI for tomorrow’s third and final Dafabet Test, with the series on the line at YesPlay Newlands. 🇿🇦

🔁 One change for #TheProteas sees Gerald Coetzee coming in for Anrich… pic.twitter.com/lRZobnN0OQ

— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) October 26, 2026