If Tony de Zorzi is unable to recover in time for the Proteas' two-match Test series against Bangladesh later this month, Matthew Breetzke may have the opportunity to make his Test debut.
De Zorzi sustained a painful knee injury during the first One-Day International against Ireland last week. An MRI revealed he had a soft tissue injury in his right knee, preventing him from participating in the remainder of the series.
Initially, De Zorzi was set to open the innings alongside Aiden Markram, but with no other openers in the squad, the team is exploring options. Temba Bavuma could step in to fill the opener position, although it's not a role he typically occupies at the Test level. Notably, Bavuma has previously opened in a Test match in the subcontinent, partnering Dean Elgar in December 2015 against India in Delhi, where he scored 22 and 34 against a spin-heavy attack.
However, Breetzke could be the prime candidate to take on the opening role. While the conditions in Mirpur and Chattogram will differ significantly from those he faced while playing for SA A against Sri Lanka in Kimberley last month, where he scored an impressive 129 in the first innings, his recent performance puts him in contention.
The Proteas’ Test coach has indicated that Breetzke is next in line for selection. Even if he doesn’t open the batting, it seems likely that he will debut in the longest format when the first Test commences on October 21. Breetzke has already represented the Proteas in eight T20 Internationals and scored his first international half-century in the second match against Ireland last month.