ZIM vs SA 2025: Respiratory infection rules Prince Masavure out of second Test

Zimbabwe opener Prince Masvaure missed the second Test against South Africa at Queens Sports Club that went underway Sunday due to a respiratory tract infection. He was ruled unfit and subsequently left out of the playing XI.

Masvaure had been brought into the side as a concussion replacement for Brian Bennett during the first Test last week. Bennett also remained unavailable for selection as he continues to recover from the concussion sustained in that match.

"Masvaure is suffering from a respiratory tract infection and was deemed unfit to play," a statement by Zimbabwe Cricket ahead of the start of the game read.

Dion Myers has been named as Masvaure’s replacement, one of two changes made to Zimbabwe’s playing XI for the second Test. The other change sees Kundai Matigimu making his Test debut, replacing Vincent Masekesa for the ongoing game against the Proteas.

The hosts, trailing 0-1 in the two-match series against the World Test Championship winners, won the toss and elected to field first in a bid to draw the series 1-1 before moving onto the T20 action against in a Tri-Nation series, which involves New Zealand as the third side competing.

"We'll have a bowl first. We were missing an extra seamer in the first Test, we had then a few wickets early. We're going with an extra seamer today to use that early movement. The morale is good, we have been on the road quite a bit. Just about getting the basics right, bat deep. We've got two changes—Dion Myers is in," Craig Ervine said at the toss.

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For South Africa, pro spinner Keshav Maharaj was ruled out of the match due to a groin injury, with Wiaan Mulder stepping in as stand-in captain. Senuran Muthusamy returned to the side after a nine-month absence, while Lesego Senokwane and Prenelan Subrayen were handed their Test debuts in the second match.

"Extremely proud moment for me and my family, very lucky to have some guys who have been with me since my U19 days. We had some days off, spent some time together. We've got a few changes, a couple of new guys coming into the team. We are going into the subcontinent from here, so we want to give the spinners some match time. This wicket also flattens out, so it should be helpful for them. The pacers that we have are known for bowling long overs either way. We were looking to bat first either way, happy with the toss," Mulder said.