Are Pretorius and Brevis Ready for South Africa’s Test Squad Against Zimbabwe?
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Synopsis
In an exciting development for South African cricket, young stars Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Dewald Brevis have received their first Test call-up for a series against Zimbabwe. This article explores their impressive domestic performances and what this opportunity means for their careers.
Key Takeaways
- Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Dewald Brevis are new talents in South Africa's Test squad.
- The Test series against Zimbabwe runs from June 28 to July 10.
- Several key players are being rested for this series.
- Both players have showcased remarkable performances in domestic cricket.
- This series is vital for their development and experience in international cricket.
New Delhi, June 6 (NationPress) Emerging talents Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Dewald Brevis have been named to South Africa's Test squad for an upcoming two-match Test series against Zimbabwe, scheduled to occur at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo from June 28 to July 10.
Joining them in the squad are Lesego Senokwane, Codi Yusuf, and Prenelan Subrayen. As the Zimbabwe series is not part of the World Test Championship 2025-2027 cycle, several key players, including Marco Jansen, Aiden Markram, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, and Tristan Stubbs, have been given a break.
At just 19, Pretorius had an outstanding season in the CSA 4-Day series, scoring three centuries in five first-class matches, boasting an impressive average of 72.66. His performance included a vital 114 in the final, which helped the Titans secure a challenging draw against the Lions.
Meanwhile, Brevis accumulated 573 runs across 12 innings in the same tournament, featuring two centuries and two fifties with an average of 47.75. Senokwane also shone with the bat, amassing 559 runs including two centuries, while he and Pretorius represented South Africa ‘A’ in the West Indies.
Right-arm seamer Yusuf was a standout, claiming 23 wickets with an average of 22.39, significantly contributing to his team's second consecutive final appearance in the 4-Day series. Subrayen showcased his skills in SA ‘A’s four-day victory over West Indies A, scoring an unbeaten half-century and taking a five-wicket haul.
“We’ve chosen to rest some players to manage their workload ahead of a demanding season. We’ve been carefully observing performances in domestic cricket, and it’s encouraging to see players like Lhuan-dré, Lesego, and Codi breaking into the squad. Dewald has made remarkable progress over the past year,” stated head coach Shukri Conrad.
“He has demonstrated significant growth and maturity in the longer format, and it’s promising to see him evolving into a more well-rounded cricketer. Prenelan has earned his place through consistent performances, and he brings a lot to the team with his all-round capabilities.”
“This tour is an excellent opportunity to introduce them to the rigors of Test cricket and observe their responses. It also marks our first tour to Zimbabwe since 2014, so we’re eagerly anticipating our trip later this month,” added Conrad.
Batter Zubayr Hamza has also been recalled after last appearing in a Test against New Zealand in February of the previous year. Meanwhile, the fast bowling trio of Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee, and Lizaad Williams were not included in this selection. The squad is scheduled to depart for Bulawayo on June 24 from OR Tambo International Airport.
“Nandre has received medical clearance to participate in T20 matches. The plan is to gradually reintegrate him into play, starting with the shortest format, before progressing to longer formats. We’ll closely monitor how he manages the workload as he prepares to return to Test cricket,” explained Conrad.
“With Gerald, it’s part of a broader strategy to help him better cope with the physical challenges of red-ball cricket. The focus is on his long-term development and ensuring he remains fit across all formats. Lizaad is also making good progress in the final stages of his rehabilitation following knee surgery,” concluded Conrad.
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-dre Pretorius, Lesego Senokwane, Prenelan Subrayen, Kyle Verreynne, Codi Yusuf.
Point of View
It is crucial to highlight the promising future of South African cricket through the inclusion of emerging talents like Pretorius and Brevis. Their selection is not just a reflection of their individual performances, but also a testament to the depth of talent within the country’s cricketing ecosystem. We stand with our players and support their development as they represent South Africa on the international stage.
NationPress
07/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the new players in South Africa's Test squad?
Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Dewald Brevis are the new additions to South Africa's Test squad for the upcoming series against Zimbabwe.
When will the Test series against Zimbabwe take place?
The two-match Test series against Zimbabwe is scheduled from June 28 to July 10.
What are the notable performances of Pretorius and Brevis?
Pretorius scored three centuries in five matches with an average of 72.66, while Brevis accumulated 573 runs in 12 innings, including two centuries.
Who is leading the South African Test squad?
Temba Bavuma is the captain of the South African Test squad.
What is the significance of this series for South Africa?
This series is an opportunity for young players to gain experience in Test cricket and marks South Africa's first tour to Zimbabwe since 2014.
