South Africa has announced a bold and youthful playing XI for their opening Test of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 cycle, set to begin on Saturday in Bulawayo against Zimbabwe. The lineup features three debutants—Dewald Brevis, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, and pacer Codi Yusuf—signaling a fresh phase for the reigning WTC champions.
The squad overhaul comes in the wake of an injury to regular captain Temba Bavuma, who suffered a hamstring strain during the WTC Final but played through the pain to guide South Africa to a historic title win. In his absence, experienced spinner Keshav Maharaj has been appointed captain for the tour. Maharaj also stands on the cusp of personal history, needing just one wicket to become the first South African spinner to reach 200 Test wickets.
Leading a largely inexperienced XI, Maharaj will be supported by Tony de Zorzi and Matthew Breetzke at the top of the order. All-rounder Wiaan Mulder retains the No. 3 spot after a composed showing in the latter stages of the WTC Final, while David Bedingham is promoted to No. 4.
One of the most intriguing selections is that of Lhuan-dre Pretorius, who slots in at No. 5. The 22-year-old has played only seven first-class matches but boasts impressive numbers, having scored 485 runs at an average of 60.62, including three centuries and a fifty. He recently made headlines with a strong SA20 campaign, amassing 397 runs in 12 games for the Paarl Royals.
Making his long-awaited red-ball debut at No. 6 is Dewald Brevis, one of South Africa’s most exciting young talents. While his early T20I returns for the Proteas were modest, Brevis has been in excellent form across formats. In the recent IPL season, he scored 225 runs in six matches for Chennai Super Kings, averaging 37.50 at a strike rate of 180, including two half-centuries.
Kyle Verreynne will take on wicketkeeping duties at No. 7, while the bowling unit will feature Corbin Bosch, debutant Codi Yusuf, and teenager Kwena Maphaka—who had already impressed in his brief Test appearances. Maharaj will lead the spin attack.
Notably, only four players from South Africa’s WTC Final-winning XI at Lord’s retain their spots, underlining a clear shift toward long-term planning and youth development.
South Africa Playing XI for 1st Test vs Zimbabwe:
Tony de Zorzi, Matthew Breetzke, Wiaan Mulder, David Bedingham, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Dewald Brevis, Kyle Verreynne, Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj (captain), Codi Yusuf, Kwena Maphaka