TOSS: Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Corbin Bosch and Rubin Hermann to make Proteas T20I debuts

The Proteas will field a trio of debutants in today’s T20I Tri-Series opener against Zimbabwe at the Harare Sports Club after stand-in captain Rassie van der Dussen won the toss and elected to bowl first. 

Paarl Royals duo Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Rubin Hermann will make the T20I bow along with MI Cape Town allrounder Corbin Bosch. 

Both Pretorius and Hermann excelled in last year’s SA20 with Pretorius finishing as the competition’s leading run-scorer. Hermann finished fifth. 

There is also a recall for Bosch’s MI Cape Town teammate Dewald Brevis after the 22-year-old enjoyed outstanding IPL and SA20 seasons. 

"Preparation has been great, we have been enjoying it here (in Harare). The team is fresh, lot of new guys here and they have brought in a lot of energy," Brevis said.

"It remains the same - just keep it simple and not worrying about hitting in the air. It (Test cricket) made your base even stronger, power and everything comes from there, so just to watch it (the ball) and see where it goes from there.

"Very close to my heart to represent South Africa here, so it is really special. Nice to know that we are going to play NZ as well, makes it more competitive, like a little tournament and super excited."

Proteas coach Shukri Conrad, who will be overseeing the T20I side for the first time since being appointed all-format coach back in May, will also be keeping a close eye on the return of fast bowler Nandre Burger after injury.

Burger has only returned to fitness by playing Major League Cricket in the United States of America.

PROTEAS STARTING XI 

Lhuan-dre Pretorius*, Reeza Hendricks, Rassie van der Dussen (captain), Rubin Hermann*, Dewald Brevis, George Linde, Corbin Bosch, Andile Simelane, Nqaba Peter, Nandre Burger, Lungi Ngidi.