Zimbabwe pacer Kyle Jarvis has been ruled out of the final Test against Sri Lanka with a lower back injury with the hosts likely to go with the same squad that defeated in the first Test in the second and final Test to be played at Harare from Monday (January 27).
According to a Zimbabwe Cricket media release on Sunday (January 26), an MRI scan has revealed that Jarvis had suffered a disc bulge, which hampered his "back movements due to lower back pain, muscle spasms and stiffness" and a specialist doctor has advised him "rest while taking anti-inflammation medication and he will start physiotherapy as soon as the pain has subsided".
Jarvis bowled 37 overs in the 1st innings and conceded 84 runs without picking up a wicket against Sri Lanka before sustaining a back injury and then he didn't return to bowl in the 2nd innings with the tourists needing only 14 runs that they chased down in just three overs to take 1-0 lead in the Test series.
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Meanwhile, Zimbabwe has named the leg-spinning all-rounder Tinotenda Mutombodzi in the squad but the convenor of selectors David Mutendera hinted at sticking with the same team for the second Test in Harare.
However, Zimbabwe didn’t name Jarvis’ replacement but Carl Mumba and the uncapped Charlton Tshuma are the possible contenders to be drafted into the playing eleven for the Harare Test.
Mutendera stated, “Apart from Jarvis missing the game due to injury, we are likely to stick with the same team, giving the middle order another chance. The only addition to the squad is Mutombodzi, a good bowler whose batting ability will also be a massive boost for us.”
Zimbabwe Squad:
Sean Williams (c), Sikandar Raza Butt, Regis Chakabva, Craig Ervine, Kevin Kasuza, Timycen Maruma, Prince Masvaure, Brian Mudzinganyama, Carl Mumba, Tinotenda Mutombodzi, Ainsley Ndlovu, Victor Nyauchi, Brendan Taylor, Donald Tiripano, Charlton Tshuma
(With Cricbuzz Inputs)
