Zimbabwe’s young opener Brian Bennett has been ruled out of the ongoing Test match against South Africa after suffering a mild concussion. The 21-year-old was struck on the helmet while attempting to pull a short ball from South Africa’s Kwena Maphaka on Day 2. Although he stayed on the field briefly, he began to look uncomfortable and eventually walked off in the eighth over after scoring 19 runs from 28 balls.
Under concussion protocols, Bennett is not allowed to take further part in the match. Zimbabwe has named 36-year-old Prince Masvaure as his replacement. Masvaure, who will be playing his 10th Test, last featured for Zimbabwe in July 2024 against Ireland, where he scored a half-century. He has also been in decent form in the Logan Cup, scoring 165 runs in five innings.
Last Month, Bennet scored 139 against England
Bennett’s injury came at a difficult time for Zimbabwe. Earlier, South Africa had posted a commanding first-innings total of 418/9, powered by centuries from Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Corbin Bosch. Zimbabwe then got off to a shaky start in their reply, losing openers Takudzwanashe Kaitano and Nick Welch early. Bennett was the only batter who looked composed, but his exit added pressure to an already vulnerable batting lineup.
Thankfully, Sean Williams (45) and Craig Ervine (24) managed to steady the innings, taking Zimbabwe to 94/2 by lunch. Bennett’s absence is a significant blow, especially considering the fine form he has shown recently—most notably his brilliant 139 against England last month.
However, Williams continued to lead Zimbabwe’s fightback. By the end of the 54th over, Zimbabwe had reached 212/6, with Williams unbeaten on 114 and Wellington Masakadza on four. The hosts still trail by 206 runs.
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