Temba Bavuma ruled out of Zimbabwe Test tour; star spinner to lead South Africa

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South Africa’s upcoming two-match Test series against Zimbabwe will see a change in leadership and a mix of fresh faces as captain Temba Bavuma has been ruled out due to a hamstring injury. The news comes as a significant blow for the Proteas, who are riding high after their World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 triumph.

Cricket South Africa (CSA) confirmed in a press release on Friday (June 20) that Bavuma sustained a left hamstring strain while batting in the second innings of the WTC final against Australia at Lord’s. The extent of the injury is yet to be determined, with further scans scheduled in the coming days. As a result, Bavuma has been sidelined from the Zimbabwe tour, leaving a leadership void in the red-ball setup.

In the absence of Bavuma, seasoned left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj has been named interim captain for the Test series. Maharaj, who has previously led South Africa in white-ball formats, brings experience and composure to the role and will aim to guide a relatively young squad through challenging conditions in Bulawayo.

Notably, South Africa will also be without several senior players who have been rested for the series. Fast bowler Kagiso Rabada, all-rounder Marco Jansen, top-order batter Aiden Markram, wicketkeeper Ryan Rickelton, and middle-order dasher Tristan Stubbs will sit out the tour.

In their place, CSA has turned to youth, naming five uncapped players: Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Lesego Senokwane, Codi Yusuf, Dewald Brevis, and Prenelan Subrayen. Their inclusion signals the team’s intention to test bench strength and develop the next generation of red-ball cricketers.

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Initially, a 16-member squad was announced by CSA earlier this month. However, with Bavuma’s injury and no replacement captain named, the group has been reduced to 15 players.

Squad: Keshav Maharaj (c), Tony de Zorzi, Keegan Petersen, Kyle Verreynne, Lungi Ngidi, Gerald Coetzee, Dewald Brevis, Prenelan Subrayen, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Lesego Senokwane, Codi Yusuf, Simon Harmer, Rassie van der Dussen, Wiaan Mulder, Duanne Olivier.

The Proteas are scheduled to fly to Bulawayo on June 24. The first Test will begin on June 28, followed by the second match on July 6. Both games will be held at the Queens Sports Club.

Also READ: No Ben Curran as Zimbabwe unveil squad for the Test series against world champions South Africa