In the field, South Africa responded to their heavy first Test defeat by calling up “Aussie agitator” Matthew Bretzke.
Batter Breetzke was added to the squad at the expense of Tristan Stubbs, who was ruled out of the second Test after scoring 32 and one in Durban.
Goalkeeper Kyle Verreynne remains in the squad but loses the gloves, with Ryan Rickelton in line to keep the wicket. Breetzke and the uncapped Marquez Ackerman are set to replace Stubbs and Verreynne in the top order.
At the start of the tour, Breetzke made a century in the first one-day international, but angered the Australians by pinching a single after his shot bounced back from the body.
Cricket Australia described the 27-year-old as “getting under Australia’s skin” on its website, describing him as an “Aussie campaigner”, while South Africa coach Shukri Conrad admitted Breetzke’s personality led to his inclusion.
“The attitude and character that Matt brings and has, I think it’s going to go a long way,” Conrad said.
Breetzke has managed just 14 runs in three innings, having played two previous Tests and has not played a first-class match since February.
However, the right-hander has made a spectacular start to his one-day international career, averaging around 59 from 17 matches.
South Africa must avoid defeat in the second Test starting Sunday to avoid losing the three-match series with one game to spare.
The 214-run defeat in the first Test was the world champions’ first loss in 13 matches under captain Temba Bavuma.
The hosts are likely after attack leader Kagiso Rabada missed the first test as part of his recovery from a hamstring injury.
Australia will have decisions to make on their batting order after forcing changes for the first Test.
Injuries to Cameron Green and Josh Inglis meant Nic Maddinson’s first test in 10 years. Despite not playing a first-class game in the previous 19 months following treatment for testicular cancer, he was called up to the opening XI.
With Maddinson at the top of the order, Matthew Renshaw dropped to fifth and produced a career-best performance. The Middlesbrough-born left-hander scored 190 and 82 and also took two wickets with his off-breaks.
Australia coach Andrew MacDonald said Green was “progressing well” from an abdominal injury, while Inglis had returned to batting after a broken finger.
If either or both are fit, it could mean Maddinson sits out, with Renshaw pushing to open again.