MAHARAJ TO CAPTAIN NEW-LOOK TEST WORLD CHAMPS VS ZIMBABWE

Durban’s Super Giants captain Keshav Maharaj will lead a Proteas Test side laden with Betway SA20 Rising Stars in the first Test against Zimbabwe at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo on Saturday.

Maharaj has been handed the honour of leading the Proteas for the first time in his 59th Test after regular skipper Temba Bavuma was ruled out due to a hamstring injury. 

The 35-year-old has extensive leadership experience, having led the Proteas in white-ball cricket before, and the Super Giants in the last two Betway SA20 seasons. 

“Yeah, obviously very fortunate to have the opportunity to captain my side in my favourite format of the game. It's a privilege,” Maharaj said.

“In terms of my captaincy style, I'm a very laid-back captain. I'm always open to advice, but I also allow the bowlers to sort of come up with their own plans because I always believe in growth.

“But I am someone that if I need to put my foot down, I will. But I just want everyone to feel welcome and comfortable so that they can execute their skill best on the field.”

Maharaj is particularly excited by the youthful exuberance of the three new caps, Paarl Royals duo Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Codi Yusuf and MI Cape Town’s Dewald Brevis. 

DSG’s top-order batter Matthew Breetzke along with Royals seamer Kwena Maphaka also rejoins the Test side.

“They've fitted in very well,” he said. “We have quite a nice culture which allows everyone to be themselves within our environment. We know the skill they possess, so it's just about feeling comfortable if you try and make a real point to allow them to be themselves and express themselves on the cricket field.

“So they've fitted in really well. They're a good bunch of characters, lots of fun, lots of energy amongst them. And I'm really excited to see how they go in this Test series going forward.”

PROTEAS PLAYING XI VS ZIMBABWE

Tony de Zorzi (Sunrisers Eastern Cape), Matthew Breetzke (Durban's Super Giants), Wiaan Mulder (Durban's Super Giants), David Bedingham (Sunrisers Eastern Cape), Lhuan-dre Pretorius (Paarl Royals), Dewald Brevis (MI Cape Town), Kyle Verreynne - wicketkeeper (Pretoria Capitals), Corbin Bosch (MI Cape Towbn), Keshav Maharaj - captain (Durban's Super Giants), Codi Yusuf (Paarl Royals), Kwena Maphaka (Paarl Royals).