Craig Ervine is all set to return to his captaincy duties, as Zimbabwe announced squads for the upcoming three-match ODI and T20I series against Sri Lanka.
Ervine will be leading Zimbabwe in the ODI series on the Sri Lanka tour, while veteran all-rounder Sean Williams will miss the tour due to a side injury sustained in the second T20I against Ireland last month. Ervine has recovered from the groin issue and is now named in both the ODI and T20I squads.
The uncapped offspinner Tapiwa Mufudza, who impressed with 18 wickets in the Pro50 Championship 2023, has been awarded a maiden call-up to Zimbabwe's ODI team. Fast bowling all-rounder Faraz Akram is also in line for his international debut, having been named in the ODI squad.
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For the T20I squad, seven new faces from the Ireland series retained their places in the Zimbabwe squad, with Brian Bennett, Ainsley Ndlovu, and Carl Mumba replacing Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Tapiwa Mufudza, and Faraz Akram. Sikandar Raza will be leading the team in the T20I series.
Notably, Zimbabwe star all-rounder Wessly Madhevere was overlooked for the Sri Lanka tour after being suspended by Zimbabwe Cricket for breaching anti-doping rules.
In additional, news, Zimbabawe Cricket named Walter Chawaguta as the Zimbabwe Senior Men’s National Team’s interim Head Coach for their white-ball tour to Sri Lanka.
He will lead a technical team that includes Stuart Matsikenyeri (Assistant Coach/Batting Coach), Steve Kirby (Bowling Coach), Erick Chauluka (Fielding Coach), Walter Karimanzira (Fitness and Conditioning Trainer), Amato Machikicho (Physiotherapist), Alistair Chambe (Team Doctor) and Mufaro Chiturumani (Analyst).
Zimbabwe will face Sri Lanka in three ODI matches scheduled for 6, 8 and 11 January before the two sides meet in as many T20I fixtures pencilled in for 14, 16 and 18 January. All the matches will be played at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo.
Zimbabwe ODI squad:
Craig Ervine (capt), Faraz Akram, Ryan Burl, Joylord Gumbie, Luke Jongwe, Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Tinashe Kamunhukamwe, Clive Madande, Wellington Masakadza, Tapiwa Mufudza, Tony Munyonga, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, Sikandar Raza, Shumba Milton
Zimbabwe T20I squad:
Sikandar Raza (capt), Brian Bennett, Ryan Burl, Craig Ervine, Joylord Gumbie, Luke Jongwe, Tinashe Kamunhukamwe, Clive Madande, Wellington Masakadza, Carl Mumba, Tony Munyonga, Blessing Muzarabani, Ainsley Ndlovu, Richard Ngarava, Milton Shumba
(With ESPNCricinfo Inputs)
