Zimbabwe elect to bowl first in second test

Zimbabwe won the toss and elected to bowl first in their second test against South Africa at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo, on Sunday morning.

South Africa, having registered a comprehensive 328-run victory over their hosts last week, leads the two-test series 1-0. The visitors smell an opportunity for a clean sweep of the series and will not leave any stone unturned in their quest.

South Africa made three changes to their victorious side from last week. The first was a forced change. Senuran Muthusamy came in for the injured Keshav Maharaj, who pulled out of the test after suffering a groin strain. Wiaan Mulder took over the captaincy duties in Maharaj's stead.

"It's been a dream of mine to captain. I haven't had the opportunity to do it much at professional level, I did it quite a lot when I was younger," Mulder shared ahead of the encounter.

The allrounder expressed excitement at the opportunity to lead the side. However, he explained that his leadership style was one that would make use of the wisdom and knowledge from other leaders in the team, including Kyle Verreynne, Tony de Zorzi, David Bedingham, and Senuran Muthusamy.

The other two changes are Lesego Senokwane coming in for Matthew Breetzke at the top of the order, and Prenelan Subrayen replacing Kwena Maphaka. According to Mulder, the changes were to ensure that players like Senokwane, who have made a clear case for themselves at domestic level, get the opportunity to perform on the big stage.

Zimbabwe also made a few changes to their starting lineup as they hunt for a series-levelling victory. One of those changes was the introduction of Kundai Matigimu, a Tuks alumnus, to the starting XI. Brian Bennett, who suffered an injury in the first test, is still sidelined. They will be looking to Takudzwa Kaitano to give them a solid start.

Sean Williams was Zimbabwe's only centurion in the first test. The seasoned campaigner will need support from other batters in the hosts' middle order if the hosts are to have any chance at levelling the series. With the ball, Zimbabwe will be looking to the Blessing Muzarabani-led attack to run through South Africa's batting lineup.

ZIMBABWE: Tanaka Chivanga, Craig Ervine, Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Wessly Madhevere, Wellington Masakadza, Kundai Matigimu, Blessing Muzarabani, Dion Myers, Tafadzwa Tsiga, Nicolas Welch, Sean Williams.

SOUTH AFRICA: Lesego Senokwane, Tony de Zorzi, Wiaan Mulder, David Bedingham, Dewald Brevis, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Kyle Verreynne, Senuran Muthusamy, Corbin Bosch, Codi Yusuf, Prenelan Subrayen