Why Did Prince Masvaure Miss the Second Test Against South Africa?

Bulawayo, July 6 (NationPress) Zimbabwe opener Prince Masvaure was unable to participate in the second Test against South Africa at Queens Sports Club on Sunday due to a respiratory tract infection.

Masvaure was excluded from Zimbabwe's playing XI after being considered unfit to compete.

"Masvaure is suffering from a respiratory tract infection and was deemed unfit to play," Zimbabwe Cricket stated in a release.

He had joined the team as a concussion replacement for Brian Bennett during the first Test played last week. Bennett remains unavailable for selection as he continues to recover from the concussion incurred in that match.

Dion Myers has been appointed as Masvaure’s replacement in one of two modifications made to the Zimbabwe playing XI for the second Test. The other change involves Kundai Matigimu making his Test debut, coming in for Vincent Masekesa.

Zimbabwe won the toss and opted to field first after trailing 0-1 in the two-match series against the world champions.

"We’ll have a bowl first. We were lacking an extra seamer in the first Test, which resulted in a few early wickets. We’re going with an extra seamer today to take advantage of the early movement. Morale is high, and we’ve been on the road for quite some time. It’s about getting the basics right and batting deep. We’ve got two changes - Dion Myers is in," Zimbabwe captain Craig Ervine remarked at the toss.

On the flip side, South Africa is without Keshav Maharaj due to a groin injury, with Wiann Mulder stepping in as stand-in captain for the match.

Maharaj’s absence has opened the opportunity for fellow left-arm spinner Senuran Muthusamy, who returns to the playing XI after a nine-month hiatus. The visitors also introduced debuts for batter Lesego Senokwane and spin all-rounder Prenelan Subrayen, replacing opener Matthew Breetzke and left-arm seamer Kwena Maphaka.

"This is an extremely proud moment for me and my family. I feel fortunate to have had support from teammates since my U19 days. After some time off, we are incorporating a few new players into the team. We are heading into the sub-continent next, so we want to give the spinners some time to play. This wicket tends to flatten out, so it should be advantageous for them. Our pace bowlers are known for bowling long overs either way. We were aiming to bat first, so I’m pleased with the toss," Mulder stated.

Zimbabwe playing XI: Dion Myers, Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Nick Welch, Sean Williams, Craig Ervine(c), Wessly Madhevere, Tafadzwa Tsiga(w), Wellington Masakadza, Kundai Matigimu, Blessing Muzarabani, Tanaka Chivanga.

South Africa playing XI: Tony de Zorzi, Lesego Senokwane, Wiaan Mulder(c), David Bedingham, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Dewald Brevis, Kyle Verreynne(w), Senuran Muthusamy, Corbin Bosch, Prenelan Subrayen, Codi Yusuf.