Home
South Africa announced the Temba Bavuma-less Test squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against Zimbabwe. Since the WTC-winning captain Temba Bavuma will sit out of the series, Keshav Maharaj has been appointed South Africa's Test captain for the next outing which is set to start from June 28.
Keshav Maharaj to lead South Africa in Test series vs Zimbabwe, Temba Bavuma out
Bavuma is sidelined due to a hamstring strain that he has not yet recovered from. The injury was sustained during the WTC 2023-2025 final against Australia just last week. The captain will need to undergo additional scans to fully assess the severity of the strain and establish a timeline for his return to cricket.
The injury occurred on the third day of the WTC final while Bavuma was batting. He pulled up after completing a single and, despite receiving on-field treatment and continuing to bat until the tea break, he was ultimately advised against continuing his innings.
Reflecting a strategy to manage player workloads, the squad selected for the Zimbabwe series includes five uncapped players. This decision allows for several key all-format players, such as Aiden Markram and Kagiso Rabada, to be rested. Additionally, fast bowler Lungi Ngidi's participation will be limited, as he is only set to be available for the second Test of the series.
Despite going against medical advice, Temba Bavuma displayed immense determination after sustaining an injury during a crucial moment in the game. He revealed his decision stemmed from a reluctance to rule himself out of contention. In consultation with Markram, an agreement was reached to reduce the intensity of his running between wickets. This allowed Bavuma to resume his innings and guide South Africa to victory, finishing with a score of 66 as they won by five wickets.
Looking ahead, Bavuma could potentially be part of South Africa's upcoming matches following their series against Zimbabwe. Their schedule includes ODIs against Australia in August and England in September. The team will then shift focus to their next World Test Championship campaign, starting with a series against Pakistan in October, followed by a tour of India in November. South Africa will not play any Test matches on home soil until October 2026, when they are set to host Australia. Bavuma has expressed his desire to continue playing until the 2027 home ODI World Cup, contingent on his fitness.
Notably, this recent incident marks the third hamstring injury Bavuma has suffered in less than two years. He was previously injured during the 2023 ODI World Cup, although he participated in the semi-final. He also sustained a hamstring injury during the Boxing Day Test against India in the same year. Additionally, Bavuma has faced a series of elbow injuries and is often seen playing with his left elbow heavily strapped.
South Africa's squad for Test series against England:
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's squad for Test series against South Africa:
Craig Ervine (Captain), 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
ADVERTISEMENT
