South Africa announces Test squad for Zimbabwe tour; Temba Bavuma ruled out

South Africa, the World Test Champions, are all set to take on Zimbabwe in the two-match Test series at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, starting on Saturday, June 28. Interestingly, Temba Bavuma has been ruled out of the tour due to a hamstring injury.

Notably, South Africa is coming into this two-match Test series after defeating Australia by five wickets in the World Test Championship 2023-25 Final at Lord’s in London. In Bavuma’s absence, spinner Keshav Maharaj will lead the side.

Moving further, in the 15-man squad, a total of five uncapped players have been named by the CSA selection committee. Moreover, Aiden Markram and Kagiso Rabada, who played a crucial role in the WTC 2025 Final, have been rested.

On the other hand, paceman Lungi Ngidi has been picked for the second Test only, starting on July 6. On the other hand, Zimbabwe is coming into this series after playing a one-off Test against England earlier last month.

Meanwhile, Zimbabwe has included uncapped pacer Kundai Matigimu in their 16-player squad for the two-Test series. Matigimu, the 27-year-old, earned a maiden call-up with Richard Ngarava unavailable due to a back injury. Top-order batter Ben Curran has been ruled out with a fractured finger.

Also, Prince Masvaure and Takudzwanashe Kaitano returned to the squad, while leg-spinner Vincent Masekesa also made his comeback.

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

Zimbabwe Test squad for South Africa series: Craig Ervine (c), Brian Bennett, Tanaka Chivanga, Trevor Gwandu, Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Wesley Madhevere, Clive Madande, Vincent Masekesa, Wellington Masakadza, Prince Masvaure, Kundai Matigimu, Blessing Muzarabani, Newman Nyamhuri, Tafadzwa Tsiga, Nicholas Welch, Sean Williams.

Stay updated with the latest cricket news, match insights, and exclusive updates at Sky365 and download the Sky365 App to start betting today!