South Africa Announces Squad with Uncapped Players, Key Players Rested

Temba Bavuma, the captain of South Africa, will miss the two-match Test series against Zimbabwe, which is scheduled to take place in Bulawayo from June 28 to July 10.

Bavuma has not sufficiently recovered from a hamstring injury sustained during the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia. Consequently, he was not included in the South Africa squad, which features five uncapped players.

The right-handed batsman experienced discomfort while running a single on the third day of the Test and continued playing until the tea break when he was advised to discontinue batting.

Following the match, Bavuma admitted that he disregarded the medical team’s recommendations because he did not want to leave the field during that critical period of the game.

Temba Bavuma scored 66 runs, a crucial contribution that helped South Africa secure their first ICC title since 1998.

In addition to Bavuma, several other prominent players will be rested, including Aiden Markram, the Player of the WTC final, and premier fast bowler Kagiso Rabada. Lungi Ngidi will only participate in the second Test.

With key players absent, veteran spinner Keshav Maharaj will captain the team in Bulawayo.

It is important to note that this upcoming series will not count toward the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27.

South Africa will commence their title defense with a series against Pakistan in October, followed by a tour to India the next month.

South Africa Squad for Zimbabwe Tests:

  • David Bedingham
  • Matthew Breetzke
  • Dewald Brevis
  • Corbin Bosch
  • Tony de Zorzi
  • Zubayr Hamza
  • Keshav Maharaj (c)
  • Kwena Maphaka
  • Wiaan Mulder
  • Lungi Ngidi (second Test only)
  • Lhuan-dre Pretorius
  • Lesego Senokwane
  • Prenelan Subrayen
  • Kyle Verreynne
  • Codi Yusuf