Bulawayo rolls red carpet for champions Proteas
Brandon Moyo, Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE sporting spotlight turns to Bulawayo this coming Saturday as Zimbabwe prepares to host the reigning World Test Championship (WTC) winners, South Africa, in a highly anticipated two-match Test series. For Victor Mhlanga, General Manager of Tuskers, the forthcoming event at Queens Sports Club is nothing short of a privilege for the city and the nation.
For Mhlanga, it is a distinct honour for Zimbabwe — particularly Queens Sports Club and the city of Bulawayo — to host the Proteas for their first international outing since their maiden ICC trophy triumph last week against Australia at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London, England. Having conquered Test cricket on that grand stage, they will now begin their journey as world champions against the Chevrons.
“Right now, we have the World Test Champions coming into the country. As Bulawayo, we are privileged because before they even head to the Tri-Series in Harare, they will be here for the Tests. We are hoping for a good result against our neighbours. But once again, as Bulawayo, we are privileged to be hosting them. Temba Bavuma will be with the squad and we are all looking forward to hosting them,” said Mhlanga.
Mhlanga confirmed that preparations for the series are complete, with South Africa expected to arrive on Tuesday afternoon. The Proteas will then have three days of practice before the action begins. The first Test is scheduled for June 28 to July 2, with the second match taking place from July 6 to 10.
Beyond the prestige of hosting the reigning world champions, this series is particularly compelling as it marks eight years since Zimbabwe last faced South Africa in a Test match. That previous encounter, a four-day match in 2017, notoriously concluded in just two days and 907 deliveries.
It also marks South Africa’s first Test tour of Zimbabwe in eleven years, having last played red-ball cricket in the country in 2014. That one-off match, held at Harare Sports Club, saw the Proteas win by nine wickets and is fondly remembered by Zimbabwean fans for John Nyumbu’s five-wicket haul on debut.
To date, Zimbabwe and South Africa have met nine times in Tests. The Chevrons are still chasing their first victory, with South Africa winning eight matches and one ending in a draw — notably at Queens Sports Club, back in 2001. Zimbabwe and South Africa’s Test rivalry began in 1995 in Harare, where the Proteas won by seven wickets.
Zimbabwe head into the series missing several players who featured in the historic one-off four-day Test against England at Trent Bridge last month. The 16-man squad, led by veteran Craig Ervine, will be without the injured duo of Richard Ngarava (lower back injury) and Ben Curran (finger fracture), both of whom sustained their injuries in England. All-rounder Sikandar Raza is also unavailable as he is currently in the United States playing in Major League Cricket (MLC) for the Seattle Orcas.
Victor Nyauchi has been omitted for tactical reasons, while uncapped seamer Kundai Matigimu earns his maiden Test call-up. Prince Masvaure and Takudzwanashe Kaitano return to strengthen the top order. The pace attack is further bolstered by the return of Trevor Gwandu, who has recovered from the groin injury that cut short his England tour. Leg-spinner Vincent Masekesa has also been recalled.
On the other side, Bavuma will lead a youthful South African squad featuring five uncapped players. Several key names — Marco Jansen, Aiden Markram, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, and Tristan Stubbs — have been rested to manage workloads.
Zimbabwe Test squad:
Craig Ervine (Captain), Brian Bennett, Tanaka Chivanga, Trevor Gwandu, Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Wessly Madhevere, Clive Madande, Vincent Masekesa, Wellington Masakadza, Prince Masvaure, Kundai Matigimu, Blessing Muzarabani, Newman Nyamhuri, Tafadzwa Tsiga, Nicholas Welch, Sean Williams
South Africa Test Squad:
Temba Bavuma (captain), David Bedingham ,Matthew Breetzke, Dewald Brevis, Corbin Bosch, Tony de Zorzi, Zubayr Hamza, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Lhuan-dré Pretorius, Lesego Senokwane, Prenelan Subrayen, Kyle Verreynne, Codi Yusuf. – @brando_malvin
The post Bulawayo rolls red carpet for champions Proteas appeared first on herald.