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Temba Bavuma Ruled Out of Zimbabwe Test Series with Hamstring Injury
South African Captain to Miss Zimbabwe Tests After WTC Final Injury
South Africa’s World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-winning captain Temba Bavuma has been ruled out of the upcoming two-Test series against Zimbabwe due to a left hamstring strain, as confirmed by Cricket South Africa (CSA) on Friday, June 20. The injury was sustained during the second innings of the WTC Final against Australia at Lord’s.
Keshav Maharaj to Lead South Africa in Bavuma’s Absence
In the absence of Bavuma, experienced left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj will captain the Proteas in the series scheduled in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. Maharaj, who has previously led the team in white-ball formats, will now shoulder responsibility in the longest format.
CSA stated that Bavuma will undergo further medical scans to determine the full extent of the hamstring injury. No immediate replacement has been named, and the squad has been trimmed from 16 to 15 players.
Proteas Fielding a Young, Experimental Side
South Africa has opted to rest several key players, including Kagiso Rabada, Aiden Markram, Marco Jansen, Ryan Rickelton, and Tristan Stubbs, giving selectors the opportunity to test fresh talent in a transitional phase post-WTC triumph.
The squad includes five uncapped players:
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Lhuan-dre Pretorius
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Lesego Senokwane
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Codi Yusuf
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Dewald Brevis
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Prenelan Subrayen
These selections highlight CSA’s focus on long-term depth building, especially with the next World Test Championship cycle in sight.
📌 Read about South Africa’s WTC 2025 final win over Australia
Schedule & Venue Details
🏟 Match Fixtures
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1st Test: June 28–July 2, 2025
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2nd Test: July 6–10, 2025
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Venue: Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
South Africa’s squad will depart for Zimbabwe on June 24, giving them just a few days of acclimatization before the series kicks off. The elevation of new names like Dewald Brevis, often dubbed the next AB de Villiers, adds intrigue to what could otherwise be seen as a routine bilateral series.
Full South Africa Squad vs Zimbabwe 2025
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Keshav Maharaj (captain)
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David Bedingham
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Matthew Breetzke
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Dewald Brevis
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Corbin Bosch
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Tony de Zorzi
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Zubayr Hamza
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Kwena Maphaka
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Wiaan Mulder
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Lungi Ngidi (available from 2nd Test)
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Lhuan-dre Pretorius
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Lesego Senokwane
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Prenelan Subrayen
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Kyle Verreynne
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Codi Yusuf
Impact of Bavuma’s Absence & Road Ahead
Losing Temba Bavuma, a key figure in South Africa’s red-ball resurgence, is undoubtedly a blow to team stability and leadership. His calm presence at the crease and tactical acumen were pivotal during the WTC 2025 campaign. The Zimbabwe tour, however, presents an ideal platform for Keshav Maharaj and the emerging core to step up and shape the future of South African Test cricket.
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