ZA Cricket

As anticipation builds for the World Test Championship Final, South Africa will fine-tune their red-ball skills in a four-day warm-up match against Zimbabwe, starting June 3 at the picturesque Arundel Castle Cricket Ground in Sussex.

The fixture provides the Proteas with a crucial opportunity to shift gears into Test mode after nearly five months without red-ball cricket. Their last outing in the format was a commanding 2-0 home series victory against Pakistan in January. With the ultimate challenge — a WTC Final clash against Australia at The Oval from June 11 — looming, this warm-up fixture takes on immense importance for Dean Elgar’s men as they look to sharpen their technique, adjust to English conditions, and settle combinations.

Proteas Squad Ready for Red-Ball Return

South Africa’s squad features a blend of experienced campaigners and promising new faces. Captain Temba Bavuma leads a side boasting attacking firepower and depth. The top order will depend on Tony de Zorzi, Ryan Rickelton, and the in-form Aiden Markram, while David Bedingham and Tristan Stubbs offer middle-order solidity and flair.

Behind the stumps, Kyle Verreynne provides consistency, and the all-rounder stocks are strengthened by Wiaan Mulder and Marco Jansen. The pace battery includes Kagiso Rabada — returning after his one-month suspension — Lungi Ngidi, Corbin Bosch, and the ever-reliable Dane Paterson. Spin duties will fall to Keshav Maharaj and Senuran Muthusamy.

South Africa Squad: Tony de Zorzi, Ryan Rickelton, Aiden Markram, Temba Bavuma (c), David Bedingham, Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne, Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Dane Paterson, Keshav Maharaj, Senuran Muthusamy.

Zimbabwe Continue Historic English Tour

Zimbabwe enter the fixture buoyed by their recent Test at Trent Bridge — their first on English soil since 2003. Despite suffering an innings defeat to England, the Chevrons left a mark, especially through Brian Bennett’s defiant century. The Sussex match gives them a further taste of high-quality opposition and an ideal build-up for their upcoming home series against South Africa.

Sikandar Raza, Blessing Muzarabani, and Richard Ngarava are notable absentees, but Zimbabwe will bank on experience in the form of captain Craig Ervine and Sean Williams, with rising stars like Bennett, Clive Madande, and Victor Nyauchi rounding out a competitive squad.

Zimbabwe Squad: Craig Ervine (c), Brian Bennett, Tanaka Chivanga, Ben Curran, Alex Falao, Clive Madande, Wessly Madhevere, Tanunurwa Makoni, Wellington Masakadza, Vincent Masekesa, Newman Nyamhuri, Victor Nyauchi, Tafadzwa Tsiga, Nicholas Welch, Sean Williams.

More Than Just a Warm-Up

For South Africa, this match is not a formality. It is their first red-ball outing in foreign conditions this year and a chance to tune their rhythm ahead of the biggest match in the Test calendar. For Zimbabwe, it is another chapter in their reintegration into top-tier Test cricket — and a critical audition ahead of a packed home summer that includes two-Test series against both South Africa and New Zealand.

Come June 3, all eyes will turn to Sussex, where neighbours and rivals lock horns not just for bragging rights, but for momentum heading into cricket’s most elite arena.


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The ICC World Test Championship Final between South Africa and Australia begins June 11 at The Oval.