Zimbabwe has announced an exciting and historic Test squad ahead of their two-match series against Afghanistan, marking their first-ever home New Year's Test and the return of the Boxing Day Test to the country since 1996. The squad features seven uncapped players, including four newcomers in the batting and wicketkeeping departments, as well as three promising fast bowlers.
The new faces include batters Ben Curran and Johnathan Campbell, wicketkeepers Tadiwanashe Marumani and Nyasha Mayavo, and pace bowlers Trevor Gwandu, Takudzwa Chataira, and Newman Nyamhuri. While six of these players have been part of the national team for white-ball formats, it is 26-year-old right-arm seamer Chataira who is receiving his maiden national call-up after a strong showing in the ongoing Logan Cup first-class competition, where he currently sits sixth on the wicket-takers chart.
Curran, the middle brother of England internationals Tom and Sam, and son of former Zimbabwe international Kevin Curran, has earned his spot in the squad as the leading run-scorer of the Logan Cup. The 18-year-old left-arm seamer Nyamhuri, who made his debut in the first ODI against Afghanistan, now has the chance to represent Zimbabwe in all three formats within a month, having also been named in the T20I squad.
The experienced quartet of Sikandar Raza, Sean Williams, Blessing Muzarabani, and Richard Ngarava will provide the backbone of the Test squad, with Craig Ervine leading the team as captain.
The selection committee has opted to leave out seven players from the squad that played in the one-off Test against Ireland in July. These include batters Clive Madande, Roy Kaia, and Prince Masvaure, seamers Tendai Chatara, Tanaka Chivanga, and Victor Nyauchi, and left-arm orthodox spinner Wellington Masakadza.
This two-Test series against Afghanistan will be a momentous occasion for Zimbabwe cricket, with the country gearing up for a landmark series featuring some exciting new talent and familiar stars. The series will also be Afghanistan's first Test series in Zimbabwe, as both teams prepare to make history in the upcoming Boxing Day and New Year's Tests.
Zimbabwe Test Squad:
The series promises to be a thrilling contest as Zimbabwe takes on Afghanistan in a historic Test series for both teams.