South Africa names new captain for Zimbabwe Test series

South Africa have named Keshav Maharaj as their new captain after Temba Bavuma was ruled out of the two-match Test series against Zimbabwe, set to commence on 28 June.

The Proteas’ regular skipper, Bavuma, sustained a hamstring strain during the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final, and he is yet to fully recover from the injury.

Temba Bavuma was batting on six runs when he cramped while running a single. Despite the injury, he continued to bat along with Aiden Markaram, putting up a match-winning stand.

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Following South Africa’s triumph, Bavuma revealed that he batted against medical advice because of not breaking his team’s momentum in a critical time. The right-handed batter finished on 66 as South Africa won by five wickets.

The South Africa squad against Zimbabwe includes five uncapped players as South Africa rest several all-format players. The players are Aiden Markram and Kagiso Rabada, while fast bowler Lungi Ngidi is only available for the second Test.

Keshav Maharaj will be the 41st player to lead the men’s Test team. The left-arm spinner has already captained South Africa in seven ODIs and five T20Is.

It is noteworthy to mention that the WTC winners, South Africa, have the following assignments following the Zimbabwe series, including an ODI series against Australia and England, set to take place in August and September.

Despite their maiden WTC title, South Africa will not play any home Tests until October 2026.

For the unversed, South Africa defeated the defending champions Australia in the WTC final by five wickets, with Aiden Markram scoring a majestic 136-run innings in the fourth innings of the match.

South Africa Squad For Zimbabwe Test Series

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

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