Mulder takes over as Proteas eye series sweep

Brandon Moyo, Zimpapers Sports Hub

WIAAN Mulder will captain South Africa in the second Test against Zimbabwe this Sunday, stepping in for Keshav Maharaj after the spinner was sidelined with a groin injury.

It’s a major moment for the all-rounder, fresh off a century, who now carries both bat and burden in Bulawayo.
Senuran Muthusamy comes in to replace Maharaj as the squad’s specialist left-arm spinner. Off-spinner Prenelan Subrayen, already with the team in Zimbabwe, could make his Test debut if selected.

Proteas head coach Shukri Conrad, said Mulder is starting to embrace leadership responsibilities and is no stranger to captaincy, having previously led youth sides.

“This is part of Wiaan’s journey where he is starting to take more responsibility in the side,” said Conrad in an interview with SABC Sport.

“He has captained in his youth days, I think it was for the South Africa U19s. I think it will be a great opportunity for Wiaan to grow into becoming a leader in this group. He has got all the attributes and the more responsibilities I give him, the better he reacts.”

In another squad adjustment, fast bowler Lungi Ngidi, who was expected to join ahead of the second Test, has been released. The Proteas coaching staff have chosen to back the seamers, who impressed in the first Test, giving them a chance to build momentum.

On the Zimbabwean side, attention is on Brian Bennett, who missed the end of the first Test after entering concussion protocols. The 21 year old opener was struck on the helmet by Kwena Maphaka on day two and was subsequently replaced by Prince Masvaure.

According to cricket’s concussion protocols, a player diagnosed with a concussion must rest for a minimum of seven days. With Bennett injured on Sunday, he’s technically eligible for selection this weekend, but Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) has yet to release an official update on his condition.

Zimbabwe will be looking to bounce back after a heavy 328 run defeat, their biggest loss in Test cricket by runs. A win would level the two-match series at 1-1.

First ball for the second Test is at 10am on Sunday, and fans have been urged to show up in numbers.
South Africa squad for second Test:

Wiaan Mulder (captain), David Bedingham, Matthew Breetzke, Dewald Brevis, Corbin Bosch, Tony de Zorzi, Zubayr Hamza, Kwena Maphaka, Senuran Muthusamy, Lhuan-dré Pretorius, Lesego Senokwane, Prenelan Subrayen, Kyle Verreynne, Codi Yusuf.