South Africa’s red-ball rebuild takes a bold step forward as Dewald Brevis and teenage sensation Lhuan-dre Pretorius are set to feature in a youthful playing XI for the first Test against Zimbabwe as they kick of their 2025-27 ICC World Test Championship cycle, starting June 28 at the Queen’s Sports Club in Bulawayo.
With regular skipper Temba Bavuma sidelined due to a hamstring injury, Keshav Maharaj will lead a side brimming with fresh talent and eager to seize their moment on the international stage.
Brevis, fresh off a stellar 2025 season, has been rewarded for his consistent run in domestic cricket. The 22-year-old CSK star amassed 573 runs in the CSA 4-Day Series Division 1 at an impressive average of 47.75, underlining his readiness for the demands of Test cricket.
Similarly, Pretorius, just 19, forced his way into the XI with a standout domestic campaign, tallying 436 runs — including three centuries — and showcasing a fearless, boundary-laden style.
Yet, both young guns will need to adapt quickly, with neither slotted into their preferred top-order positions. Instead, Matthew Breetzke and Tony de Zorzi will open the innings, forming a fresh combination at the top.
Wiaan Mulder, primarily seen as an all-rounder, will take on the No.3 role, while David Bedingham moves up to No.4 to solidify the core of the batting.
The Proteas’ lineup reflects both necessity and experimentation in Bavuma’s absence, with senior stars like Aiden Markram, Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen, Lungi Ngidi, and Ryan Rickelton all rested.
The bowling attack, too, has a new look: Corbin Bosch joins debutant Codi Yusuf and teenager Kwena Maphaka to form a raw but promising pace trio, while Maharaj leads the spin department and shoulders the captaincy.
South Africa won the World Test Championship after beating Australia by five wickets in the final at Lord’s Cricket Ground.
Aiden Markram's 136 in the Proteas' second innings, which featured 14 fours, guided South Africa to victory on day four of the match.
South Africa Playing XI For Zimbabwe 1st Test:
Tony de Zorzi, Matthew Breetzke, Wiaan Mulder, David Bedingham, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Dewald Brevis, Kyle Verreynne, Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj (C), Codi Yusuf, Kwena Maphaka
