Proteas vs Australia: Coetzee replaces Nortje for Newlands Test

The Proteas begin their decisive third Test against Australia tomorrow (27 October).

With Anrich Nortje out injured, coach Shukri Conrad had some decisions to make.

Here’s who will replace the pace bowler for the third Test match in Cape Town.

Proteas vs Australia: Series results so far

The first Test was played from 9-13 October at Kingsmead in Durban.

Australia posted a first-innings total of 390, and the Proteas could only manage 284 in reply.

The Baggy Greens then declared on 314/6 in their second innings, leaving South Africa a huge target of 447.

The Proteas were bundled out for just 206, thanks to a six-wicket effort by Australia’s Josh Hazlewood.

Things changed in a rain-soaked second Test at St George’s Park in Gqeberha, from 18-22 October.

Australia bowled only 54 overs across the first two days, making a draw look likely.

Instead, captain Temba Bavuma anchored a stunning 425/9 first innings total.

Australia were then bowled out for just 99 as Marco Jansen claimed a five-wicket haul.

Having to follow on, the visitors had hopes of salvaging a draw late on day 5.

However, the Proteas got the job done eventually, winning by an innings and 31 runs.

This leaves everything to play for in the third Test, from 27-31 October at Newlands in Cape Town.

Who will replace Anrich Nortje?

The pace bowler, who had only recently returned to the longest format, suffered a groin injury during the second Test.

However, the question remained who could step up, and whether coach Conrad would stick with a mostly pace lineup.

The Proteas’ Instagram post confirmed the playing XI just after lunch today (26 October).

• Aiden Markram
• Marques Ackerman
• David Bedingham
• Temba Bavuma
• Matthew Breetzke
• Ryan Rickelton
• 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

While some fans believed Coetzee was an obvious choice, he has not played a Test in nearly two years.

According to ESPN Cricinfo, his last long-format game was against Sri Lanka in November 2024.

Some fans were gutted that Dane Paterson did not get a chance in front of his home crowd.

Others criticised the decision to omit Corbin Bosch and Senuran Muthusamy.

Instead, the Proteas have stuck with their strong pace core of Rabada, Jansen, and Mulder.

The fast attack worked wonders against Australia at St George’s, claiming 18 of the 20 total wickets.

According to News24, pace bowlers record better numbers at Newlands, which is good news for Coetzee.

WHO WILL WIN THE PROTEAS VS AUSTRALIA TEST SERIES?

Let us know your predictions for the final match by clicking on the comment banner below.