Temba Bavuma ruled out of Zimbabwe tests with hamstring injury, South Africa announce new captain for series

Temba Bavuma has not recovered from his hamstring injury, which he sustained during the ICC WTC 2023-25 final against Australia.

South Africa captain Temba Bavuma has been ruled out of the forthcoming test series against Zimbabwe. The right-handed batsman has not recovered from the hamstring injury, which he sustained during the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 final against Australia.

Bavuma sustained a hamstring issue during the 282-run chase in the ICC WTC 2023-25 final. He was advised to retire out, but he continued batting and scored 66 runs to help his team win the match. South Africa outplayed Australia by five wickets to win the ICC test mace.

After winning the ICC WTC 2023-25, Bavuma was all set to lead the side in the two-match test series against Zimbabwe, starting June 28. However, he is yet to recover from the hamstring injury and won’t be there. The right-hander will undergo further scans to analyse the extent of his injury.

Keshav Maharaj named captain in Temba Bavuma’s absence

In Bavuma’s absence, Keshav Maharaj will lead South Africa in the test series against Zimbabwe. Notably, the Proteas have named five uncapped players in their squad. Senior members Aiden Markram and Kagiso Rabada have been rested for the series. Pacer Lungi Ngidi will miss the first test and will return for the second test.

South Africa’s updated squad for Zimbabwe test series: Keshav Maharaj (C), David Bedingham, Matthew Breetzke, Dewald Brevis, Corbin Bosch, Tony de Zorzi, Zubayr Hamza, Kwena Maphaka, Wiaan Mulder, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Lesego Senokwane, Prenelan Subrayen, Kyle Verreynne, Codi Yusuf, Lungi Ngidi (second Test only).

Meanwhile, the first test match between Zimbabwe and South Africa will be played from June 28 to July 2 at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo. The second test will be played at the same venue from July 6. Craig Ervine will lead the home team, Zimbabwe, in the series.

Notably, the Zimbabwe vs South Africa test series is not part of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 cycle as Zimbabwe are not part of the tournament. After the test series, the Proteas will also play a T20I tri-series involving Zimbabwe and New Zealand, starting 14th July.

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