New Delhi: Zimbabwe opener Brian Bennett has been forced to sit out the remainder of the first Test against South Africa in Bulawayo after being diagnosed with a mild concussion. The 21-year-old was struck on the helmet while attempting a pull shot on the second day of the match at Queens Sports Club, which led to his early exit from the game.
Bennett had looked in good touch during the opening session, even as wickets fell around him. While chasing South Africa’s imposing total of 418 for 9 declared, Bennett came out with intent and was on 19 off 25 balls when he tried to pull a short delivery from Kwena Maphaka in the sixth over. However, the ball took the top edge and struck him on the helmet, forcing immediate attention from the medical staff.
Initially, Bennett appeared fine after passing the on-field concussion tests and chose to continue batting but could end up only facing three more balls from debutant Codi Yusuf before deciding to leave the field in the eighth over as he looked visibly uncomfortable.
The blow comes at an unfortunate time for Bennett as he had been in fine form leading up to this series. He scored a commanding 139 against England in Nottingham in his previous outing and had registered three consecutive fifty-plus scores across his last three Test matches. His aggressive style at the top has been a bright spot for Zimbabwe, and his absence will be felt as the team looks to fight back against a strong South African bowling attack.
Masvaure steps in as a replacement
With Bennett ruled out under concussion protocols, Zimbabwe turned to Prince Masvaure to step in as his replacement. The 36-year-old last featured in a Test match in July 2024 against Ireland in Belfast, where he scored a half-century in the first innings. In the domestic circuit, he had a decent run in the Logan Cup with 165 runs in five innings, averaging 41.25 with a best score of 50 not out.
Masvaure’s experience will be valuable for Zimbabwe as they navigate the remainder of the match without their in-form opener. For Bennett, the focus will now shift towards recovery with hopes that he can return to action soon and continue his promising run in Test cricket.