Two players are set to make their Test debut for the South African cricket team, also known as the Proteas, in the upcoming second Test against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo, commencing this Sunday.
Lesego Senokwane will open the batting alongside Tony de Zorzi, as Matthew Breetzke has been omitted from the lineup. Senokwane has demonstrated impressive form, scoring 559 runs, with two centuries, in last season’s 4-Day Series for the Free State Knights. At 28 years old, he boasts a total of seven centuries and eight fifties across 50 first-class matches and was recently selected for the SA A team that toured the West Indies.
Joining Senokwane in making his debut is 31-year-old left-arm spinner Prenelan Subrayen, who has taken 242 wickets in 77 first-class matches. He has contributed significantly to the SA A team, including a five-wicket haul in their victory against the West Indies in St Lucia. Subrayen and fellow spinner Senuran Muthusamy are stepping in for the injured Keshav Maharaj and fast bowler Kwena Maphaka.
In Maharaj’s absence, Wiaan Mulder will lead the team as captain. The Proteas are coming off a strong win in the first Test against Zimbabwe, where they triumphed by a remarkable 328 runs.
The confirmed lineup for the Proteas includes Tony de Zorzi, Lesego Senokwane, Wiaan Mulder (c), David Bedingham, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Dewald Brevis, Kyle Verreynne, Senuran Muthusamy, Corbin Bosch, Prenelan Subrayen, and Codi Yusuf.
This match presents a promising opportunity for the new players to shine and contribute to what has already been a successful series for South Africa. The team’s confidence following their first Test victory could play a crucial role as they aim for further success against Zimbabwe.