South Africa have announced a youthful and restructured playing XI for the first Test against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo, starting June 28, 2025. The squad, which includes three debutants and sees a total of seven changes from their last Test appearance, signals a clear shift toward blooding new talent and preparing the next generation of Test cricketers.
Leading the side in the absence of regular skipper Temba Bavuma, who is recovering from a hamstring injury, is veteran spinner Keshav Maharaj. The South African team management has opted to rest several key players from their World Test Championship-winning squad, opening the door for promising newcomers to make their mark on the international stage.
Among the most anticipated inclusions is Dewald Brevis, the hard-hitting young batter who has already drawn comparisons to AB de Villiers. Brevis, often referred to as “Baby AB,” is set to make his long-awaited Test debut after excelling in white-ball formats and showing consistent performances in first-class cricket over the past season. His ability to dominate spinners and pace alike makes him a player to watch as South Africa experiments with more aggressive batting options in the middle order.
Also making his debut is Lhuan-dre Pretorius, a 19-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman who has been in exceptional form in the domestic circuit. Pretorius has shown maturity beyond his years, having already notched multiple centuries in first-class cricket. His selection reflects South Africa’s intention to build depth in the wicketkeeping department, especially with Quinton de Kock not part of the red-ball setup anymore.
The third debutant, Codi Yusuf, brings a versatile skill set as a seam-bowling all-rounder. He has impressed selectors with his disciplined line-and-length bowling and ability to contribute valuable lower-order runs. His selection adds balance to the bowling attack, complementing a pace battery that includes Corbin Bosch and young left-armer Kwena Maphaka.
The top order features Tony de Zorzi and Matthew Breetzke as openers, both of whom bring aggressive intent and technical soundness. Wiaan Mulder, a familiar name in South African cricket, will bat at No. 3, offering solidity and experience to the youthful middle order. David Bedingham retains his spot at No. 4, providing a much-needed stabilizing presence.
With Maharaj leading the spin department and acting as captain, the bowling unit is rounded out by Yusuf, Maphaka, and Bosch. The team has gone for a balanced combination of youth and experience, with a focus on grooming talent for the future while still remaining competitive in the present.
The selection approach clearly indicates a shift in mindset for South African cricket. Rather than sticking rigidly to a settled lineup, the management is looking to test its bench strength in a controlled environment. Facing Zimbabwe, a side still in transition themselves, provides the perfect backdrop for such experimentation without significant risk to rankings or reputation.
This move also reflects the long-term planning of the South African cricket board, with key players being managed carefully and given rest to prevent burnout. With packed schedules across formats and tournaments, maintaining a healthy pool of ready-to-play cricketers is becoming increasingly essential.
All eyes will now be on the debutants as they don the South African whites for the first time. For Brevis, Pretorius, and Yusuf, this match could mark the beginning of long and fruitful careers. It’s an exciting new chapter for South African Test cricket, and the first Test against Zimbabwe might just be the launchpad for the country’s next generation of stars.