Online Reporter
Brandon Moyo, Zimpapers Sports Hub
A new look South African Test side is heading to Zimbabwe, with head coach Shukri Conrad announcing a 16-man squad brimming with fresh talent and resting several big names ahead of a jam packed international calendar.
The Proteas will face Zimbabwe in a two match Test series at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo from 28 June to 10 July, marking their first tour to the country in over a decade.
Temba Bavuma will lead a youthful squad featuring five uncapped players, while several key figures, Marco Jansen, Aiden Markram, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton and Tristan Stubbs, have been rested to manage workloads.
Among the fresh call-ups are Momentum Multiply Titans batting duo Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Lesego Senokwane, both handed their maiden national selections. They are joined by Codi Yusuf, a promising DP World Lions fast bowler, also earning a first call-up.
Pretorius, only 19, enjoyed a sensational breakout season in the CSA Four Day Series, smashing three centuries in five matches at an average of 72.66, including a match saving 114 in the final against the Lions.
Senokwane also impressed with the bat, scoring 559 runs with two centuries, while both players recently made their South Africa A debuts against West Indies A.
Yusuf, a right arm seamer, was instrumental for the Lions, claiming 23 wickets at 22.39, helping them reach a second successive Four Day Series final.
Two other uncapped players also feature: Dewald Brevis, the second highest run scorer in domestic first class cricket last season, and Prenelan Subrayen, a seasoned Hollywoodbets Dolphins off spinner. While neither has yet played Test cricket, both have previously been part of senior squads.
Subrayen’s recent form for SA “A” was exceptional, scoring an unbeaten half century and taking a five wicket haul in their four day win over West Indies A.
“We’ve opted to rest some players to manage their workload ahead of a busy season,” said Conrad.
“It’s great to see players like Lhuan-dre, Lesego and Codi breaking through.
Dewald deserves huge credit for his evolution in the longer format, and Prenelan has earned his spot through consistent performances.”
Also returning to the Test setup is Zubayr Hamza, recalled for the first time since facing New Zealand in February 2024.
“This tour offers an ideal platform to expose these players to the demands of Test cricket,” Conrad added. “It’s our first visit to Zimbabwe since 2014 and we’re really looking forward to it.”
Not considered for selection were fast bowlers Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee and Lizaad Williams.
“Nandre has been cleared for T20s and will be eased back gradually,” Conrad explained.
“With Gerald, the focus is on long-term red ball readiness, while Lizaad is in the final phase of recovery from knee surgery.”
The Proteas are expected to arrive in Bulawayo on 24 June.
South Africa Test Squad vs Zimbabwe
Temba Bavuma (captain DP World Lions), David Bedingham (World Sports Betting Western Province),Matthew Breetzke (Dafabet Warriors), Dewald Brevis (Momentum Multiply Titans), Corbin Bosch (Momentum Multiply Titans), Tony de Zorzi (World Sports Betting Western Province), Zubayr Hamza (DP World Lions), Keshav Maharaj (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Kwena Maphaka (DP World Lions), Wiaan Mulder (DP World Lions), Lungi Ngidi (Momentum Multiply Titans), Lhuan-dré Pretorius (Momentum Multiply Titans), Lesego Senokwane (Momentum Multiply Titans), Prenelan Subrayen (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Kyle Verreynne (World Sports Betting Western Province), Codi Yusuf (DP World Lions).
