Bennett Out of South Africa Test After Blow to the Head; Masvaure Called Up

Brian Bennett, the Zimbabwean opening batsman, will not participate further in the first Test against South Africa in Bulawayo. This decision follows a mild concussion diagnosis after he sustained a blow to his helmet on Sunday, June 29. Prince Masvaure has been named as Bennett's concussion substitute for the remainder of the match.

Brian Bennett was hit on the head when he was on 19 © Getty

The incident occurred when Bennett was struck on the helmet by a bouncer delivered by Kwena Maphaka during the sixth over of Zimbabwe's innings. He attempted a pull shot but failed to make contact with the ball. At the time of the incident, he had scored 19 runs off 25 balls. Initially, after a concussion assessment by the team physio, he seemed fit to continue playing.

However, after facing three deliveries from Codi Yusuf in the subsequent over, Bennett made the decision to leave the field. Zimbabwe Cricket later released a statement confirming that he had suffered a mild concussion.

The official release stated: "Zimbabwe opener Brian Bennett will play no further part in the ongoing Test match against South Africa at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo after being diagnosed with a mild concussion. As per concussion protocols, he will take no further part in the match. Prince Masvaure has been named as his replacement, marking his 10th Test appearance."