South Africa Test Squad for Zimbabwe: Five Uncapped Players Named

Fresh Faces, Big Dreams: South Africa’s Test Squad Gears Up for Zimbabwe Challenge

Youthful Energy Meets Senior Leadership as South Africa Names Test Squad for Zimbabwe

South Africa’s red-ball ambitions are entering a bold new phase. As the national side regroups after their ICC World Test Championship Final against Australia at Lord’s (11 June 2025), the South Africa Test squad for Zimbabwe has been announced—ushering in a wave of youthful promise. Led by Test skipper Temba Bavuma, the 16-player group features five uncapped players, three of whom are receiving their first-ever senior national call-up.

This two-match Test series, scheduled from 28 June to 10 July at Queen Sports Club in Bulawayo, offers more than just bilateral bragging rights—it is a proving ground for the next generation. The selectors have opted to rest several senior figures including Kagiso Rabada, Aiden Markram, Marco Jansen, Tristan Stubbs, and Ryan Rickelton, choosing instead to blood talent that’s been making waves at domestic and ‘A’ level.

New Names to Watch: Brevis, Pretorius and Senokwane Lead the Charge

The headline act in the selection shake-up is the inclusion of Dewald Brevis, Lhuan-dré Pretorius, and Lesego Senokwane. For Brevis—already a household name after his under-19 heroics and franchise exploits—this marks a potential step into the long-format future many have predicted for him. His consistency in the CSA 4-Day Domestic Series, where he ended as the second-highest run-scorer, has justified the selectors' trust.

Equally exciting is the rise of Lhuan-dré Pretorius, the teenage sensation who lit up the 4-Day competition with three centuries and a jaw-dropping 72.66 average. Fresh off a South Africa ‘A’ debut, Pretorius has drawn comparisons to a young Jacques Kallis, blending patience with effortless stroke play.

Joining them is Lesego Senokwane, another first-time pick who racked up 559 runs in the latest first-class season, also with three centuries. His fearless approach and compact technique have turned heads in domestic circles, and his elevation is a testament to South Africa’s renewed investment in red-ball cricket.

Yusuf and Subrayen: All-Round Depth and Firepower

In the bowling department, Codi Yusuf and Prenelan Subrayen add versatility. Yusuf, a right-arm pacer with a knack for breakthroughs, has taken 23 wickets at 22.39 in the last season, showing both control and rhythm. While he is yet to debut at Test level, his sustained performances for South Africa ‘A’ have earned this opportunity.

Subrayen, the off-spinner and useful lower-order batter, has been on the fringes of the Test setup for years. His recent showing—five wickets and a half-century against West Indies ‘A’ puts him in strong contention for a debut. His inclusion provides a second frontline spin option alongside Keshav Maharaj, who continues to be the team’s spin spearhead.

Bavuma’s Steady Hand Guides Transition

With senior stalwarts rested, the presence of Temba Bavuma becomes even more crucial. The skipper, fresh from leading the squad in the WTC Final, will now marshal a new-look unit with a mix of youth and experience. The inclusion of Kyle Verreynne, Tony de Zorzi, David Bedingham, and Zubayr Hamza ensures there’s adequate cover in both departments, even as the team tests new combinations.

This Zimbabwe series could be a defining moment for Bavuma’s leadership not only in nurturing the rookies but in helping the side rebound quickly from what is expected to be a hard-fought WTC Final against Australia.

Fixtures Set in Bulawayo: A Crucible of Opportunity

Both Test matches will be hosted at Queen Sports Club, Bulawayo renowned for being a fair pitch with something for both seamers and spinners. The first Test begins on 28 June, with the second from 6 July. These fixtures will mark South Africa’s return to Zimbabwe in the longest format since 2014, when they secured a narrow series win.

The Zimbabwean team, on the other hand, will be eager to challenge the Proteas on home soil. With many of their key players like Sikandar Raza and Blessing Muzarabani in good form, this will be a test of not just skills, but also temperament for South Africa’s debutants.

Investing in the Future: Selectors Signal Long-Term Strategy

The selectors' decision to rest big names and provide game time to untested talents highlights a longer-term strategy. With the next WTC cycle beginning immediately after this series, it’s clear South Africa want to build depth and resilience in their Test ranks. The likes of Brevis, Pretorius, and Yusuf represent the future and the Zimbabwe series is a low-risk, high-reward opportunity to assess their readiness.

The shift also reflects South Africa’s efforts to align Test development with the red-ball structures at provincial and ‘A’ team levels. Names like Pretorius and Senokwane rising through the system underscore the importance of domestic first-class cricket as the feeder pipeline.