South Africa captain Keshav Maharaj has won the toss and elected to bat first against Zimbabwe in the opening Test at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo.
World Test Champions (WTC) South Africa are without their first-team stars and will be handing out debuts to Dewald Brevis, Codi Yusuf and Lhuan-dre Pretorius.
Speaking at the toss, Maharaj said, "Been a privilege to be a part of, To have the status of world champions is phenomenal. Have been received exceptionally well by the public. Haven't had much of a chance to soak it up but the buzz and energy is still within the camp. Obviously we have three debutants - Pretorius, Brevis and Yusuf. Exciting young talents that have put their hands up in all forms of the game domestically. We've gone with four pace and one spin attack. A lot of the guys have been playing cricket so they're coming off a good run, and the other guys have slotted in the last three days. Hard work being put in by the coaches."
Quite happy to bowl first. Expecting there to be a little bit of moisture in the wicket, hope to utilise that. Being in the UK for a whole month, guys learnt a lot from that. Nice to be back home in familiar conditions. Have had a week of really good preparations. We've played a lot of Test cricket already this year. Hopefully we can show more consistency. - ZIM captain Craig Ervine
ZIM vs RSA, 1st Test LIVE Commentary And Score:
ZIM vs SA, 1st Test Playing XIs:
South Africa: Tony de Zorzi, Matthew Breetzke, Wiaan Mulder, David Bedingham, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Dewald Brevis, Kyle Verreynne(w), Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj(c), Codi Yusuf, Kwena Maphaka
Zimbabwe: Brian Bennett, Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Nick Welch, Sean Williams, Craig Ervine(c), Wessly Madhevere, Tafadzwa Tsiga(w), Wellington Masakadza, Vincent Masekesa, Blessing Muzarabani, Tanaka Chivanga
ZIM vs SA, 1st Test Liv Streaming Info:
The first Test between Zimbabwe and South Africa can be live streamed on FanCode app and website.
