Gerald Coetzee returns after two years as South Africa name playing XI for third Test against Australia

South Africa on Monday confirmed their playing XI for the third and final Test against Australia at Newlands in Cape Town, making a single, forced change to their bowling attack: fiery fast bowler Gerald Coetzee replaces the injured Anrich Nortje. The match begins on Tuesday, October 27, with the three-Test series level at 1-1.⁠

The 32-year-old Nortje was ruled out of the series decider after sustaining a groin injury during South Africa's dominant innings-and-31-run victory over the tourists in the second Test in Gqeberha. That win leveled the three-match series at 1-1 following Australia’s win in opening Test in Durban, setting up a high-stakes finale in Cape Town.  

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Only One Change In South Africa Playing XI

Rather than overhauling the balance of the side, the South Africa team management opted for a like-for-like replacement. Coetzee, who is all set to return to the longest format of the game after almost two years, brings similar express pace, bounce, and aggression to complement a bowling unit spearheaded by Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen.  

The rest of the starting XI remains unchanged. Captain Temba Bavuma, fresh off an authoritative match-winning century in the second Test, anchors a batting lineup featuring Aiden Markram, Marques Ackerman, David Bedingham, Matthew Breetzke, and Ryan Rickelton.

All-rounders Wiaan Mulder and Marco Jansen provide balance with bat and ball, while off-spinner Simon Harmer retains his spot after his key role with both ball and lower-order runs at St George’s Park.  

With the series tied at 1-1 and critical World Test Championship points on the line, the Proteas will rely heavily on Coetzee’s hostile spells to break open Australia’s lineup on a traditionally sporting Newlands pitch.

South Africa XI For 3rd Test vs Australia

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

Impact On WTC Standings

The result in the third Test could have massive ramifications on both the ICC World Test Championship standings and the ICC Men's Test Team Rankings.  

A South Africa win will displace Australia from the No.1 spot in both the standings and the Test rankings.

At present, Australia remain top of the 2025-27 World Test Championship standings with 108 points from 12 Tests, a points percentage of 75.00. New Zealand are second on 72.22 from six Tests.

On the other hand, South Africa sit third on 66.67, with 48 points from six Tests.