Zimbabwe have taken the opportunity to blood new talent in the one-off, four-day Test under lights against South Africa.

It is a baptism of fire for all the players who have not experienced a day-night Test, but especially so for two uncapped players: 21-year-old fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani and left-hand batsman Ryan Burl.

The match starts in Port Elizabeth on Boxing Day, replacing the scheduled match against India, who delayed their arrival to recover from the series against Sri Lanka.

The Zimbabweans, to be led by Graeme Cremer, still have good experience in Hamilton Masakadza, Brendan Taylor, Craig Ervine and Chris Mpofu.

However, they left out other seasoned campaigners from their last series against West Indies, notably Sean Williams, Malcolm Waller, Michael Chinouya and Nyasha Mayavo.

Muzarabani has played five first-class matches for Zimbabwe’s new provincial team, Rising Stars, taking 18 wickets at an average of 18. He is included for his potential and to gain experience on an international tour.

Heath Streak, Zimbabwe’s coach, described him as ‘an exciting young quick. He’s very tall – Curtley Ambrose tall.’

Burl, included as a batting backup,  has played nine ODIs and has a first-class average of over 40.

Squad: Graeme Cremer (capt), Hamilton Masakadza, Craig Ervine, Brendan Taylor, Chamunorwa Chibhabha, Regis Chakabva, Sikandar Raza, Ryan Burl, Tendai Chatara, Blessing Muzarabani, Tendai Chisoro, Peter Moor, Solomon Mire, Kyle Jarvis, Chris Mpofu