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Dewald Brevis and Lhuan-dre Pretorius Poised for Test Debuts in Zimbabwe Series
South Africa Announce Test Squad for Zimbabwe Tour
South Africa has unveiled its squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo, set to run from June 28 to July 10, 2025, at the Queens Sports Club. The spotlight shines brightly on Dewald Brevis and Lhuan-dre Pretorius, two young and dynamic cricketers, who are on the verge of making their long-awaited Test debuts.
Also joining them in the squad are uncapped talents Lesego Senokwane, Codi Yusuf, and Prenelan Subrayen, as selectors look to inject fresh blood into the red-ball setup. Notably, Zubayr Hamza returns to the Test fold after a hiatus of over a year, having last represented South Africa in February 2024.
Rising Stars Brevis and Pretorius Set to Make Their Mark
Brevis: From U-19 Stardom to Red-Ball Consistency
At just 22 years old, Dewald Brevis has already carved out a reputation as one of South Africa’s most exciting prospects. Nicknamed “Baby AB” for his resemblance to AB de Villiers in style and flair, Brevis grabbed the world’s attention during the 2022 ICC Under-19 World Cup, amassing 507 runs — a record-breaking tally that surpassed Shikhar Dhawan’s previous mark.
But Brevis is proving to be far more than a white-ball sensation. In the 2024/25 CSA First-Class season, he finished as the second-highest run-scorer with 573 runs, including two centuries and two half-centuries. His development in the longer format makes his potential Test debut one of the most anticipated in recent times.
Pretorius: Technique, Temperament, and Tenacity
At just 19, Lhuan-dre Pretorius is another rising star ready to embrace Test cricket. He was the leading run-scorer in the 2025 SA20, delivering standout knocks of 97, 83, and 59. However, his resilience and discipline in the red-ball game truly set him apart.
On his first-class debut in December 2024, Pretorius scored a well-crafted 120. In the CSA Final at Wanderers, he battled for over five hours, facing 209 balls and striking 114 — a mature innings that showcased his Test temperament.
Key Players Rested and Injury Updates
Of the current 15-man squad competing in the World Test Championship Final against Australia at Lord’s, only eight players are named in the squad to tour Zimbabwe. Senior players including Kagiso Rabada, Aiden Markram, Tristan Stubbs, Marco Jansen, and Ryan Rickelton have been rested to manage workload.
Meanwhile, fast bowlers Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee, and Lizaad Williams have been excluded due to injury concerns:
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Burger has been cleared for T20s and will be gradually eased back.
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Coetzee is undergoing a tailored rehab program aimed at preparing him for the physical intensity of red-ball cricket.
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Williams is in the final stage of recovery from knee surgery.
Possible Return of Nortje for T20I Series
Coach Shukri Conrad confirmed that Anrich Nortje, who hasn’t played for South Africa since June 2024, is likely to be included in the T20I tri-series in Harare from July 14 to 26, featuring South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Australia.
🔗 Related Article: South Africa’s Fast Bowling Depth and Injury Management
Zimbabwe Tests Not Part of WTC Cycle
The two-match Test series against Zimbabwe, although significant for team rebuilding and player development, will not count toward World Test Championship points. Nonetheless, it offers an invaluable platform for newcomers to showcase their potential in a high-pressure international setting.
Full South Africa Test Squad for Zimbabwe Series
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Temba Bavuma (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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Keshav Maharaj
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Kwena Maphaka
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Wiaan Mulder
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Lungi Ngidi
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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
📚 For official details, visit the Cricket South Africa Press Release.
