Australia's batting issues have continued in the second Test as they were bowled out for 99 in the first innings after South Africa made 9/425 at St George's Park.

Nic Maddinson was a feel-good selection when he was picked at the start of the series, but he is yet to fire a shot with the bat, as he made his second duck of the tour.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 28: Nic Maddinson of the Sixers walks from the field after being dismissed by Michael Neser of the Strikers during the Big Bash League match between the Sydney Sixers and the Adelaide Strikers at Sydney Cricket Ground on December 28, 2017 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Brett Hemmings/Getty Images)

Steve Smith top-scored with 28, but he was the only batsman to reach 20 as the Proteas ripped through the Aussies' batting line-up.

Alex Carey made a duck, and is yet to reach 25 runs in an innings this series.

Travis Head only managed 14, but South Africa have enforced the follow-on, and he is currently 87 not out.

Marnus Labuschagne was dismissed for 14 in the first innings, and in the second he got a start again but was dismissed for 39.

Australia v South Africa - Third Test: Day 1
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 04: Marnus Labuschagne of Australia looks dejected after being dismissed by Anrich Nortje of South Africa during day one of the Third Test match in the series between Australia and South Africa at Sydney Cricket Ground on January 04, 2023 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

Beau Webster made only 14 in Australia's first innings and was dismissed late yesterday for eight, putting his spot under serious pressure.

Matthew Renshaw hasn't lived up to his lofty standards in the first Test, but his spot is safe after over 250 runs in the opening Test.

Potential replacements:

Cam Green:

Green wasn't quite fit enough to be named in the second Test, but it is likely that he will be available for the third Test.

If available, Green will be one of the first players picked, and either Webster will be in trouble, or Matt Renshaw will be moved to the top of the order, and Maddinson will be dropped.

CARDIFF, WALES - SEPTEMBER 13: Cameron Green of Australia bats during the 2nd Vitality IT20 match between England and Australia at Sophia Gardens on September 13, 2024 in Cardiff, Wales. (Photo by Ryan Hiscott/Getty Images)
CARDIFF, WALES - SEPTEMBER 13: Cameron Green of Australia bats during the 2nd Vitality IT20 match between England and Australia at Sophia Gardens on September 13, 2024 in Cardiff, Wales. (Photo by Ryan Hiscott/Getty Images)

Cooper Connolly:

The young West Australian all-rounder is set to be in the frame for the third Test with Beau Webster out of form.

Connolly offers so much with the bat and ball but is also an elite fielder.

Sam Konstas:

LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 08: Sam Konstas of Australia during a nets session at Lord's Cricket Ground on June 08, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Paul Harding/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 08: Sam Konstas of Australia during a nets session at Lord's Cricket Ground on June 08, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Paul Harding/Getty Images)

Konstas is a chance to be added to the squad if Maddinson is to be dropped after a dominant Sheffield Shield match against Western Australia.

The opening batsman scored 71 in the first innings and then followed it up with a big 151 at a strike rate of 90 in the second innings.

Josh Inglis:

If the Aussies choose to move on from Labuschagne, then Inglis is the most realistic choice to move into that number three spot.

He has been around the Australian set-up for a couple of years and has played in five Tests so far in his short red-ball career.

    Bailey Walsh
    Bailey Walsh
    Bailey Walsh is a sports journalist who joined AllSprt in October 2026. He covers the latest sports news, match previews and analysis, with a particular passion for AFL and cricket.