Captain Kesh leads Proteas as they begin world champion status-defence

To be the best, you have to beat the best. That logic has now put a target on the backs of the Proteas following their victory in the World Test Championship final. 

As they embark on their first series as World Champions of the Test format, stand in captain Captain Keshav Maharaj said it is important that they defend their honour against neighbours Zimbabwe. 

The first Test will commence on Saturday morning in Bulawayo, where the Proteas have taken with them, a mix of youth and experience. There’s also a few young guns on the Zimbabwe bench that have prompted a shift in preparations on the part of the Proteas, Maharaj explained. 

Saturday’s test against Zimbabwe will be Maharaj’s first time as Proteas captain in a Test match. . 

“I’m very fortunate to have the opportunity to captain my side once again and in my favourite format of the game. Its a privilege. I’m a very laid back captain, I’m always open to advice and allow the bowlers to come up with plans because I believe in growth but I will put my foot down if I need to. But I want everyone to feel comfortable so they can execute their skills to the best on the field,” Maharaj said on Friday. 

Both teams played their last Test matches in England as they meet again in Zimbabwe

South Africa opted to rest captain Temba Bavuma, Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen, Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton and Triston Stubbs.

“I think there’s a little more emphasis on us executing our details well. If we just focus on that, then whatever is thrown at us will just be taken in our stride," said Maharaj. 

The Proteas have not missed a beat on preparations and based on the team selected for Saturday’s Test, they want to assert their dominance as the world’s best. 

A significant amount of tact and analysis has gone into combatting Zimbabwe’s fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani, Maharaj explained. The Proteas have also not toured Zimbabwe for a little under a decade and have to quickly acclimatise to conditions. 

“We know he’s got a bit of pace and gets a lot of bounce and has improved a lot since we played against him, I think it was in 2019 in a Test match in PE. He’s done really well and identify him as one of our threats but hopefully our game plan can come on the better side of things. 

“We have not played too much cricket against Zimbabwe but we know the threat they pose. They play really well at home and know their conditions really well. There’s a lot of experience within their line up but we’ve also got some experience and hopefully that youth comes through,” Maharaj said. 

The Proteas team for Saturday’s Test against Zimbabwe includes: 

Matthew Breetzke, Tony de Zorzi, Wiaan Mulder, David Bedingham, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Dewald Brevis, Kyle Verryne, Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj (Captain), Cody Yusuf and Kwena Maphaka.