South Africa Unveils New Faces in WTC Test Against Zimbabwe

In an exciting development for South African cricket, the team has announced a fresh lineup featuring three debutants for their opening match in the ICC World Test Championship against Zimbabwe. With Keshav Maharaj stepping in as captain due to Temba Bavuma's injury, the squad showcases a blend of youth and experience. Notable newcomers include Dewald Brevis and Lhuan-dre Pretorius, both of whom have shown promise in domestic leagues. As the Proteas aim to build on their historic WTC victory, all eyes will be on Maharaj, who is close to achieving a significant milestone in his career. Discover more about the team's strategy and player profiles in this article.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 28, 2025, 02:02 IST

Exciting Changes in South Africa's Test Squad

Bulawayo [Zimbabwe], June 27: The South African cricket team is set to introduce three newcomers—Dewald Brevis, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, and pacer Codi Yusuf—in their playing eleven for the opening match of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 cycle, commencing this Saturday.

With Temba Bavuma sidelined due to a hamstring injury sustained during the WTC Final, Keshav Maharaj has stepped in as captain for this tour. Despite his injury, Bavuma played a crucial role in leading the Proteas to a historic victory in the final.

Maharaj will guide a youthful squad into the first Test in Bulawayo, with Tony de Zorzi and Matthew Breetzke taking on the roles of openers, as confirmed by the ICC.

Wiaan Mulder will bat at number three after a commendable performance in the Ultimate Test's second innings, while David Bedingham has been elevated to the fourth position. Debutant Lhuan-dre Pretorius, who has limited first-class experience with just seven matches, will come in at number five, followed by another debutant, Dewald Brevis, at number six.

Lhuan-dre had an impressive SA20 season with the Paarl Royals, amassing 397 runs in 12 matches, including three half-centuries. He has also scored 485 runs in seven first-class games, averaging 60.62 with three centuries and a fifty.

Brevis, despite a challenging start in two T20Is for the Proteas, has shown remarkable form in various formats and had a successful stint with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the IPL, where he scored 225 runs in six matches at an average of 37.50, including two fifties and a striking rate of 180.00.

Kyle Verreynne will take on wicketkeeping duties and bat at seven, supported by a revamped bowling attack featuring Corbin Bosch, Codi Yusuf, and Kwena Maphaka, alongside Maharaj. Yusuf will make his Test debut, while Bosch and Maphaka have prior Test experience.

South Africa's Playing XI includes:

Tony de Zorzi, Matthew Breetzke, Wiaan Mulder, David Bedingham, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Dewald Brevis, Kyle Verreynne, Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj (C), Codi Yusuf, Kwena Maphaka

Notably, only four players from the squad that competed in the World Test Championship Final against Australia at Lord's will participate in this match.

Maharaj is on the brink of becoming the first South African spinner to reach 200 Test wickets, needing just one more wicket to achieve this milestone.