Zimbabwe Suffer Injury Blows Ahead of Test Series Against South Africa

Zimbabwe have been dealt a significant setback ahead of their two-match Test series against South Africa, with key opener Ben Curran and frontline pacer Richard Ngarava both ruled out due to injury.

Curran sustained a finger fracture after being struck by a delivery from Kagiso Rabada during a warm-up match. Meanwhile, Ngarava—who picked up a back injury during Zimbabwe’s recent Test against England—is yet to fully recover and has been withdrawn from the squad.

Adding to the list of absentees, pacer Victor Nyauchi has been omitted from the squad due to tactical reasons, with spin-friendly pitches expected in Bulawayo. Star all-rounder Sikandar Raza is also unavailable, as he remains committed to the ongoing Major League Cricket (MLC) season in the United States.

To plug the gaps, Zimbabwe have called up opener Prince Masvaure, who last featured in a Test against Ireland in 2023. Also returning are Takudzwanashe Kaitano and Victor Masuku—the latter impressed with a five-wicket haul on debut against Bangladesh. Fit-again pacer Trevor Gwandu also returns to the squad.

Among the new faces is Kundai Matigimu, a 27-year-old fast bowler with just four first-class matches under his belt, earning his maiden Test call-up.

Experienced campaigners Craig Ervine (captain) and Sean Williams will shoulder responsibility in the middle order, while Blessing Muzarabani is set to lead the pace attack. All-rounder Wesley Madhevere and young batting sensation Brian Bennett, who scored the fastest Test century for Zimbabwe last year, add youthful energy to the lineup.

This series marks the beginning of a busy home Test schedule for Zimbabwe, with 11 Tests lined up through 2025, despite the team no longer being part of the ICC World Test Championship.

Following the South Africa series, Zimbabwe will host a T20I tri-nation series featuring South Africa and New Zealand, before taking on the Black Caps in a two-Test series. Afghanistan are also set to tour Zimbabwe later this year.

Zimbabwe Test Squad vs South Africa

• Craig Ervine (captain)

• Brian Bennett

• Tanaka Chivanga

• Trevor Gwandu

• Takudzwanashe Kaitano

• Wesley Madhevere

• Clive Madande

• Vincent Masuku

• Wellington Masakadza

• Prince Masvaure

• Kundai Matigimu

• Blessing Muzarabani

• Newman Nyamhuri

• Tafadzwa Chiga

• Nicholas Welch

• Sean Williams