Theunis de Bruyn to miss final Test against Australia
De Bruyn will return home to South Africa for the birth of his first child and is set to miss the Sydney Test, which begins on 4 January 2023. The middle-order batter had come into the starting XI for the second Test replacing Rassie van der Dussen.
De Bruyn made 12 and 28 in the Test as South Africa's batters produced another unimpressive showing in Melbourne, where Australia romped home to an innings victory to seal the series.
The absence of de Bruyn leaves the door open for van der Dussen to return to the No.3 slot. South Africa could also ponder handing Heinrich Klaasen a return in whites three years since his Test debut in 2019.
There could be more changes in order for the Proteas after their crushing loss at the MCG. Keshav Maharaj hasn't taken a wicket across 43.5 overs in the Test series. Simon Harmer, who last played in England earlier this year, could return as the lead spinner.
Lungi Ngidi has also struggled for wickets, taking just two scalps across the two Tests. Gerald Coetzee, the 22-year-old seamer who impressed in the warm-up games, Lizaad Williams and Glenton Stuurman are the other quick bowling options in the squad.
Australia will aim to complete a 3-0 series sweep before they head to India for the final four Tests of their WTC23 campaign. A whitewash would all but seal their place in the WTC23 final.