South Africa head coach Shukri Conrad has thrown his full support behind teenage fast bowler Kwena Maphaka, calling him the “main dog” of the Proteas bowling attack for their upcoming Test series against Zimbabwe. With key pacers Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, and Marco Jansen unavailable, 19-year-old Maphaka is set to shoulder the frontline responsibilities as South Africa begins its ICC World Test Championship 2025–27 campaign.
Speaking ahead of the first Test in Bulawayo, Conrad praised Maphaka’s maturity and composure. “With Lungi not being here for the first Test, Kwena’s going to lead the bowling attack,” he said. “As a 19-year-old, when you get given that responsibility, it not only speaks volumes for how highly you are rated, but also the calibre and the mentality that he possesses.”
Maphaka, who debuted earlier this year against Pakistan and picked up 3 wickets for 90 runs, now finds himself leading a fresh pace unit that includes Corbin Bosch and debutant Codi Yusuf. Left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj will support the seamers and also lead the side in the absence of injured captain Temba Bavuma.
Conrad added, “In Zimbabwe, in Test cricket specifically, he is not the third quick behind KG and Marco necessarily but he is the main dog. That responsibility will grow massively.”
South Africa’s new-look XI will feature three debutants—batter Dewald Brevis, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, and pacer Codi Yusuf. Only four players from the WTC Final XI that triumphed over Australia at Lord’s remain, signaling a bold transitional phase for the Proteas.
Wiaan Mulder will bat at No. 3, following an impressive showing in the WTC Final second innings. David Bedingham steps up to No. 4, followed by Pretorius and Brevis. The highly-rated Pretorius had a standout SA20 season, scoring 397 runs in 12 games and boasts a first-class average of 60.62 from just seven matches. Brevis, meanwhile, has been in explosive form across formats, including a strong IPL 2025 campaign for CSK with 225 runs at a strike rate of 180.
Kyle Verreynne will handle wicketkeeping duties, while Tony de Zorzi and Matthew Breetzke will open the innings. Maharaj, on the cusp of becoming the first South African spinner to take 200 Test wickets, will lead the young and ambitious side.
The three-match Test series begins on Saturday and marks a new era for South Africa’s red-ball setup, with fresh faces looking to make their mark and a teenager ready to lead from the front.
South Africa XI for 1st Test vs Zimbabwe:
Tony de Zorzi, Matthew Breetzke, Wiaan Mulder, David Bedingham, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Dewald Brevis, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj (c), Codi Yusuf, Kwena Maphaka.