Brian Bennett, Zimbabwe’s opener, will miss the remainder of the first Test against South Africa at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo owing to a moderate concussion. The 21-year-old was hit on the helmet by a bouncer from South African pacer Kwena Maphaka on Day 2 of the Test, prompting his departure due to concussion protocols.

Brian Bennett, who was on 19 from 25 balls, attempted a pull shot off Maphaka in the sixth over.

Unfortunately, the delivery impacted him on the helmet’s top edge. Although he initially passed the on-field concussion test and resumed batting, he felt unhappy at the crease and chose to retire hurt after facing only three more deliveries from debutant Codi Yusuf in the next over. Later, Zimbabwe Cricket verified Bennett’s diagnosis of a moderate concussion and announced that he will no longer participate in the ongoing match.

“After being diagnosed with a mild concussion, Zimbabwe opener Brian Bennett will miss the remainder of the ongoing Test match against South Africa at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo.” He will not continue playing in the match due to concussion precautions. Prince Masvaure has been picked as his successor, and he will make his 10th Test appearance, according to the statement.

Prince Masvaure brought in as a replacement.

Following the ICC’s concussion substitute guidelines, Prince Masvaure was named Bennett’s replacement. The 36-year-old left-hander will make his 10th Test appearance. Masvaure last played a Test against Ireland in July 2024, scoring a half-century in the first innings. His recent domestic form has been strong, scoring 165 runs in five innings at an average of 41.25 in the 2024-25 Logan Cup, including a top of 50 not out.

South Africa declared their first innings at 418/9, with centuries from Lhuan-Dre Pretorius and Corbin Bosch. In response, Zimbabwe’s innings got off to a shaky start, losing openers Takudzwanashe Kaitano for a duck and Nick Welch for four in the first five overs. Senior hitters Sean Williams (45*) and Craig Ervine (24*) put up a fight before lunch, leading Zimbabwe to 94/3.