Brian Bennett Appointed Captain for Zimbabwe's Test Series Against Afghanistan
Zimbabwe's New Leadership Ahead of Test Series
Harare [Zimbabwe], November 4: Zimbabwe has appointed 22-year-old Brian Bennett as the captain for their upcoming two-match Test series against Afghanistan, taking place in the United Arab Emirates. This decision comes as the regular captain, Richard Ngarava, continues to recover from a back injury.
The squad consists of 17 players, notably excluding fast bowler Tanaka Chivanga, who has been sidelined due to injury, as reported by the ICC.
Bennett will lead a team that largely retains the core players responsible for Zimbabwe's record Test victory in June, where they triumphed over Bangladesh by an innings and 85 runs at Harare Sports Club.
Veteran batsmen Brendan Taylor and Craig Ervine remain in the squad after staying in the UAE post the ODI tri-series to prepare for the Test matches. They will be joined by Innocent Kaia, Ben Curran, Tadiwanashe Marumani, and Wessly Madhevere in the batting lineup.
Returning to the Test squad is experienced leg-spinner Graeme Cremer, along with Kundai Matigimu and Vincent Masekesa, who have also been recalled. All-rounder Antum Naqvi has been included after meeting the ICC eligibility requirements to represent Zimbabwe.
Blessing Muzarabani will lead the pace attack, supported by Brad Evans, Newman Nyamhuri, Matigimu, and the uncapped fast bowler Ernest Masuku.
In terms of spin options, Cremer and Wellington Masakadza are available, while wicketkeeper-batter Tafadzwa Tsiga has also been selected for the squad.
The first Test is set to take place from November 5 to 9, followed by the second Test from November 13 to 17, both at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
This Test series will conclude Zimbabwe's tour of the UAE, which included participation in the ODI tri-series against Afghanistan and Bangladesh, as well as a T20I series against Afghanistan.
Zimbabwe squad: Brian Bennett (captain), Antum Naqvi, Ben Curran, Blessing Muzarabani, Brad Evans, Brendan Taylor, Craig Ervine, Graeme Cremer, Innocent Kaia, Ernest Masuku, Kundai Matigimu, Newman Nyamhuri, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Tafadzwa Tsiga, Vincent Masekesa, Wellington Masakadza, Wessly Madhevere.