South Africa’s playing XI for their first match in the new ICC World Test Championship (2025-27) will include three new players: Dewald Brevis, Luan de Bruin, and fast bowler Codi Yusuf. The match begins on Saturday and marks the start of their WTC campaign.
Since regular captain Temba Bavuma is out with a hamstring injury he got during the WTC Final, Keshav Maharaj has been named the stand-in captain for the tour. Bavuma had kept playing despite the injury and helped South Africa win the WTC title.
In the first Test in Bulawayo, Maharaj will lead a young team. Tony de Zorzi and Matthew Breetzke have been chosen as the opening batters, according to the ICC.
Wiaan Mulder will bat at number three again after doing well in the WTC Final. David Bedingham moves up to number four. Two debutants follow – Lhuan-dre Pretorius at five and Dewald Brevis at six.
Pretorius impressed in the SA20 with 397 runs and has scored 485 runs in seven first-class games at an average of 60.62. Brevis, despite a slow start in T20Is, has been in top form and did well for CSK in the IPL, scoring 225 runs in six matches.
Kyle Verreynne will keep wickets and bat at seven. The bowling attack includes Corbin Bosch, Codi Yusuf (debut), Kwena Maphaka, and captain Keshav Maharaj.
South Africa’s Playing XI for First 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
Only four players from South Africa’s team in the WTC Final against Australia will play in this Test.
Captain Keshav Maharaj is also close to a major milestone; he needs just one more wicket to become the first South African spinner to reach 200 Test wickets.
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