Online Reporter
Brandon Moyo, Zimpapers Sports Hub
LESEGO Senokwane and Prenelan Subrayen are set to make their debuts for South Africa after being named in the Proteas team for the second Test against Zimbabwe at Queens Sports Club today.
The duo are part of three changes made by the World Test Championship (WTC) title holders ahead of the crunch match.
With Senokwane and Subrayen set for maiden appearances, Senuran Muthusamy, who was added to the squad as a replacement for the injured Keshav Maharaj, also earns a starting spot.
Wiaan Mulder has been handed the responsibility of leading the side in Maharaj’s absence.
The 27-year-old has played 20 Test matches, scoring 786 runs at an average of 26.20 and taking 35 wickets in the longest format.
Meanwhile, young pace sensation Kwena Maphaka misses out on the second Test.
For Zimbabwe, all eyes are on Brian Bennett, who missed the conclusion of the first Test after entering concussion protocols. The 21-year-old opener was struck on the helmet by a Maphaka delivery on Day Two and was subsequently replaced by Prince Masvaure.
According to cricket’s concussion regulations, a player diagnosed with a concussion must rest for a minimum of seven days. With Bennett having sustained the blow last Sunday, he is technically eligible for selection today.
However, Zimbabwe head coach Justin Sammons said the team is still assessing the youngster and will not risk playing him if he isn’t fully fit. He also declined to confirm whether changes will be made to the side that featured in the opening match.
“Going into this Test, we will be fresh. We gave the guys a day off to make sure they are mentally switched on to what lies ahead this week. It will come down to us showing up and executing,” said Sammons.
“We will wait and see (on whether there will be any changes to the team or not). I’m not going to divulge that at the moment, but certainly he (Bennett) won’t be put at risk. If there is still risk at play, he won’t be playing.”
Zimbabwe are still searching for their first ever Test victory over South Africa, who have won eight of the nine meetings between the two sides, including the previous game.
The second Test is scheduled to start at 10am, with a call made to fans to come out in their numbers and support.
