South Africa had to change the captain. (Photo- PTI)
South Africa recently won the title of World Test Championship 2023-25. Now the Test team of South Africa is ready to return to action once again. She is going to play a two -Test series against Zimbabwe. These two matches will be played from 28 June to 2 July and from 6 to 10 July at the Queen’s Sports Club. But in this series, the Africa team will not be in the hands of Temba Bavuma, who has recently made the team world champion.
South Africa had to change the captain
South Africa’s Test captain Temba Bavuma has been ruled out of the two -Test series against the upcoming Zimbabwe. Bavuma was recently hurt in Hamstring during the World Test Championship final against Australia at Lord’s. Due to which he will not be a part of this series. In his absence, veteran spinner Keshav Maharaj has been given the captaincy of the team. Let me tell you, Temba Bavuma was injured during his second innings on the third day of the final of WTC 2023-25. While scoring only six runs, his left hamstring was stretched. However, he continued to bat and played an important innings.
Now Bavuma will have to get more scans to find out the seriousness of the injury. This is his third hamstring injury in the last two years, besides his elbow’s repeated injuries have also been harassing him. He was injured during the 2023 ODI World Cup. On the other hand, Africa has given rest to many all-format players including Eden Markram and Kagiso Rabada. Fast bowler Lungi Engidi is available only for the second Test.
Many new players included in the team
This series against Zimbabwe is not a part of WTC, due to which Africa has decided to relax many of its major all-format players. South Africa has included five new players in its 15-member team, including Luan-Draw Pretorians, Dewald Brevis, Lesgo Senokwane, Kodi Yusuf and Purnelen Subrayan, who are ready for Test debut.
South Africa Team:
David Bedingham, Matthew Breetzake, Dewald Bravis, Corbin Bosch, Tony de Jorzi, Zubair Hamza, Keshav Maharaj (Captain), Quenna Mafa, Vian Mulder, Lungi Engidi (only second Test), Luan-Drain Pritorius, Luan-Drain Pritorius, Leso Senelan Subrain, Kodi Varin, Kodi, Kodi, Kodi, Kodi Yusuf
