Online Reporter
Brandon Moyo, Zimpapers Sports Hub
SOUTH Africa Test captain Temba Bavuma has been ruled out of the upcoming two-match Test series against Zimbabwe, which begins this Saturday at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo.
Bavuma, who famously led South Africa to a historic World Test Championship (WTC) title last week, was originally set to captain a youthful Proteas side. In his absence, Keshav Maharaj has been named stand in skipper for the series.
The 34-year-old has not recovered from a hamstring strain sustained during the WTC final against Australia. He will undergo further scans to assess the extent of the injury.
Bavuma pulled up on the third day of the final while completing a single. He was on six runs at the time and received on field treatment before continuing to bat through to tea. Despite medical advice to retire hurt, the gritty right hander returned to the crease, in consultation with Aiden Markram, who agreed to curb his running between wickets. Bavuma went on to score 66 and helped guide South Africa to a five wicket victory.
While he is out of the Zimbabwe Tests, Bavuma could return for South Africa’s One Day International (ODI) series against Australia in August and England in September. The Proteas begin their next WTC cycle against Pakistan in October, followed by a tough tour of India in November. Notably, they won’t host any home Test matches until October 2026, when they welcome Australia.
The injury setback is part of a recurring pattern for Bavuma, who has now suffered three hamstring injuries in under two years. He also dealt with fitness issues during the 2023 ODI World Cup and the Boxing Day Test against India. Additionally, he has been plagued by elbow problems and continues to bat with a heavily strapped left arm.
Despite the setbacks, Bavuma has expressed a desire to keep going until the 2027 ODI World Cup, which South Africa will host, fitness permitting.
Meanwhile, Zimbabwe began their preparations yesterday at Queens Sports Club as they gear up for the high profile clash. The Chevrons arrived in Bulawayo on Friday and wasted no time in hitting the nets.
Their opponents, South Africa, are expected to land at Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport on Tuesday.
This will be the first Test meeting between Zimbabwe and South Africa in eight years. Their previous red-ball showdown, a four-day Test in 2017, lasted just two days and 907 deliveries.
It also marks South Africa’s first Test tour of Zimbabwe in over a decade, their last coming in 2014 when they clinched a one-off match by nine wickets at Harare Sports Club.
To date, the Chevrons and Proteas have clashed nine times in Test cricket. Zimbabwe are still searching for a maiden win, with South Africa claiming eight victories and one match ending in a draw, at Queens Sports Club back in 2001.
Squads
South Africa: David Bedingham, Matthew Breetzke, Dewald Brevis, Corbin Bosch, Tony de Zorzi, Zubayr Hamza, Keshav Maharaj (capt), Kwena Maphaka, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi (second Test only), Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Lesego Senokwane, Prenelan Subrayen, Kyle Verreynne, Codi Yusuf
Zimbabwe: Craig Ervine (capt), Brian Bennett, Tanaka Chivanga, Trevor Gwandu, Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Wessly Madhevere, Clive Madande, Vincent Masekesa, Wellington Masakadza, Prince Masvaure, Kundai Matigimu, Blessing Muzarabani, Newman Nyamhuri, Tafadzwa Tsiga, Nicholas Welch, Sean Williams
