ZIM vs SA 2025: Brian Bennett Ruled Out of Bulawayo Test After Suffering Concussion

Due to a moderate concussion, Zimbabwe opener Brian Bennett will miss the rest of the current first Test match against South Africa at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo. Zimbabwe's team has suffered a significant setback on the second day of this contest. Brian Bennett, the team's opener and a potent all-rounder, will not play in the opening Test match. Due to a concussion (head injury), Brian Bennett will not be able to continue playing in the first Test. Under such circumstances, Prince Masvaure has been added as a stand-in.

In the sixth over, Bennett, batting at 19 off 25 balls, tried a pull shot off Maphaka. Sadly, the delivery struck him on the top edge of his helmet. He felt nervous at the crease and chose to retire injured after only three more deliveries from newcomer Codi Yusuf in the next over, despite having initially passed the on-field concussion test and returned to batting. Later, Zimbabwe Cricket announced that Bennett would not be participating in the current match any more after confirming the diagnosis of a slight concussion.

Setback for Zimbabwe:

Actually, South Africa scored 418/9 when they declared their innings. Following this, Zimbabwe's innings was opened on the second day by Brian Bennett and opening partner Takudzawanashe Kaitano. Takudzawanashe was out on a duck in the fifth over and was unable to even open his account.

Prince Masvaure is the concussion sub in place of Brian Bennett, who took a nasty blow on his head in the morning. pic.twitter.com/cJVPPXtmQq

— ~ U D I T (@Merovaeous) June 29, 2025

The press release said, "Zimbabwe opener Brian Bennett will play no further part in the ongoing Test match against South Africa at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo after being diagnosed with a mild concussion. As per concussion protocols, he will take no further part in the match. Prince Masvaure has been named as his replacement, making his 10th appearance in Test cricket."

Prince Masvaure was named as Bennett's replacement following the ICC's concussion substitute regulations. It will be the 36-year-old left-hander's tenth Test match. Masvaure scored a half-century in the opening innings of his most recent Test match against Ireland in July 2024. With 165 runs in five innings at an average of 41.25 in the 2024–25 Logan Cup, including a top score of 50 not out, he has been in good domestic form lately.

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