Online Reporter
Brandon Moyo
Zimpapers Sports Hub
SOUTH AFRICA Test captain Temba Bavuma believes their four-day unofficial Test match against Zimbabwe, starting this morning at Arundel Castle Cricket Ground, will play a vital role in his team’s preparation for the upcoming ICC World Test Championship final.
The fixture follows Zimbabwe’s historic one-off Test against England at Trent Bridge two weeks ago and serves both as a confidence booster for the Chevrons and a critical warm-up for the Proteas ahead of their clash with Australia on June 11, at Lord’s Cricket Ground.
“It’s quite clear from myself and Shukri (Conrad) what we want to do. I think Shukri’s already said that (Ryan) Rickelton will open the batting. One conversation we need to have is whether we go with an extra specialist batter or an extra all-rounder, but we largely know the make-up of the team,” Bavuma told SABC Sport.
Bavuma emphasised that while the match is not a selection trial, the English conditions could influence a few final decisions.
“The warm-up game is not a trial game — we’re definitely not going to use it like that,” he said. “But the conditions are probably the biggest factor in one or two spots, depending on what the pitch looks like, because it’s obviously in England. So we have a 90–95 percent conviction about our starting XI.”
South Africa last played red-ball cricket in January against Pakistan. Bavuma said this match offers an ideal opportunity for his players to shake off the rust.
“A lot of it is about dusting off those cobwebs and for bowlers to get time on their feet and overs under their belts.
“For the batters, it’s about spending time at the crease and getting used to Test match processes. A lot of it is physical, with a bit of mental sharpness as well. But it’s also a chance to remind ourselves of our philosophy and the best way we want to play,” he said.
The four-day match will be played behind closed doors, Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) announced on Saturday.
South Africa arrived in England on Friday and have enlisted legendary England pacer Stuart Broad as a bowling consultant during the build-up to the final.
Zimbabwe, led by veteran Craig Ervine, is expected to field a strong squad, headlined by 21-year-old opening batter Brian Bennett. Bennett made headlines with a record-breaking century against England — the fastest ever by a Zimbabwean in Test cricket.
However, the Chevrons will be without three regulars: all-rounder Sikandar Raza and pace duo Blessing Muzarabani and Richard Ngarava. Their places have been filled by Tanunurwa Makoni, Vincent Masekesa, and Alex Falao, all of whom have earned call-ups on the back of strong domestic and international performances.
As both sides prepare for their respective challenges — South Africa for a shot at the world title and Zimbabwe for a two-match Test series at home against the Proteas in June and July — the match at Arundel promises to be more than just a warm-up.
