Proteas will reap reward of Zimbabwe trip as they build depth for new Test cycle

South Africa coach Shukri Conrad has taken five uncapped players to Bulawayo for the two-Test series against Zimbabwe at the Queens Sports Club. Opening batter Lesego Senokwane, middle-order batters Dewald Brevis and Lhuan-dre Pretorius, and bowlers Codi Yusuf and Prenelan Subrayen are the debutants who might get a crack at Test cricket this week in south-west Zimbabwe.

Capped batters Zubayr Hamza and Matthew Breetzke, meanwhile, have been recalled to the squad to give them opportunities to hone their skills at the highest level.

Senokwane has stood out with the bat in the domestic first-class competition, racking up seven centuries in his career so far, including a high score of 205, on his way to a maiden Test call-up. The right-hander is known for his solid technique and ability to occupy the crease for long periods.

Brevis and Pretorius, on the other hand, are known for their attacking nature in the middle order and were both impressive in last season’s CSA Four-Day Series.

Lions fast bowler Yusuf has made a name for himself in domestic cricket as one of the quickest bowlers in the country, while spinner Subrayen's experience has seen him earn a Test call-up.

Although the trip to Zimbabwe falls outside the new World Test Championship cycle, the series is likely to influence South Africa’s preparations. In the previous cycle, South Africa registered a memorable win at Lord’s, but Conrad had to navigate a spate of injuries to key fast bowlers and the absence of consistent batter Temba Bavuma at times.

The Zimbabwe tour is thus an opportunity to strengthen squad depth and avoid similar situations in the future. Subrayen’s inclusion, in particular, signals long-term thinking as South Africa prepare for spin-friendly tours of Pakistan, India and Sri Lanka in this cycle. One would imagine Keshav Maharaj will need a partner in those conditions.

Youngster Kwena Maphaka will also return to the Test side, having played only one match in his career so far.

Importantly, key players such as Kagiso Rabada, Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Marco Jansen and Temba Bavuma will sit out the Zimbabwe series, ensuring they remain fresh for the beginning of the new WTC campaign.

For the uncapped players, the trip to Zimbabwe presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to stake a claim for regular places in the Test squad.