Former England batter Gary Ballance named in Zimbabwe T20I squad for Ireland series

Sikandar Raza misses out after getting permission to play franchise T20 cricket in Bangladesh.

Gary Ballance, former England batter, will be seen donning his native Zimbabwe colors after being named in the T20I squad for the upcoming three-match series against Ireland later this month. Ballance played 23 Tests and 16 ODIs for England from 2014-2017.

The 33-year-old left-handed batter last month signed a two-year contract to play domestic and international cricket in the country of his birth following his release from county cricket side Yorkshire.

Ballance comes into the side after Zimbabwe’s key all-rounder Sikandar Raza was given permission by Zimbabwe Cricket to play franchise cricket. Zimbabwe Cricket made four changes to the 15-man side that represented Zimbabwe at the T20 World Cup in Australia, including bringing in Ballance.

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Pace bowler Blessing Muzarabani, who is recovering from a quadriceps injury, has also missed out on selection alongside wicketkeeper-batter Regis Chakabva and batter Milton Shumba. The other new faces in the squad are Tadiwanashe Marumani, Innocent Kaia, and Victor Nyauchi.

The three T20Is will be played at Harare Sports Club between January 12-15. This will be followed by the three-match ODI series between the two sides set for 18, 21, and 23 January, also at Harare Sports Club.

Zimbabwe T20I squad for Ireland series:

Craig Ervine (capt), Gary Ballance, Ryan Burl, Tendai Chatara, Bradley Evans, Luke Jongwe, Innocent Kaia, Clive Madande, Wessly Madhevere, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Wellington Masakadza, Tony Munyonga, Richard Ngarava, Victor Nyauchi, Sean Williams.

(Zimbabwe Cricket inputs)