Post by : Meena Ariff

Photo: Reuters

South Africa, who are the new World Test Champions, are now playing a two-match Test series against their neighbours Zimbabwe. This is the first time since 2017 that both teams are playing a Test match against each other. The South African team has travelled to Zimbabwe after 11 years for this match.

Earlier this year, South Africa won the World Test Championship final by beating Australia at Lord’s. In that match, Aiden Markram played an excellent innings, scoring 136 runs in the second innings. His performance helped South Africa chase down 282 runs and win by five wickets. This was South Africa’s second ICC title and their first since 1998.

These two Tests against Zimbabwe are not part of the new World Test Championship cycle because Zimbabwe is not among the nine teams in the competition. However, this series is important for South Africa as they are testing their bench strength and giving young players a chance.

Seven of the 11 players who played in the World Test Championship final are not part of this Test. Only Lungi Ngidi will play in the second match. South Africa’s captain, Temba Bavuma, is also missing from this squad.

Bavuma is not playing because he injured his hamstring while batting on the third day of the final. Even though he was in pain, he still scored an important 66 runs. Markram, along with other all-format players like Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen, has been rested for this series. Ryan Rickelton and Tristan Stubbs are also not part of this Test.

Because Bavuma is injured and other senior players are rested, South Africa has given Test debut caps to three young players in this match – Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Dewald Brevis, and Codi Yusuf.

South Africa won the toss and chose to bat first. Keshav Maharaj said at the toss, “It has been a privilege to be part of this team. Becoming world champions is an amazing feeling. The public has welcomed us very well. We have three debutants today – Pretorius, Brevis, and Yusuf. They are exciting young talents who have done well in domestic cricket. We have four fast bowlers and one spinner. Many of our players have been playing cricket recently, so they are in good form.”

On the other side, Zimbabwe’s captain, Craig Ervine, said he was happy to bowl first. He said, “There might be some moisture in the pitch that can help us. We learned a lot during our month in the UK. It feels good to be back home. Our preparations have been very good, and we hope to play consistent cricket.”
This series is giving both countries a chance to test their players and improve their teams for the future.