Star Zimbabwean all rounder returns to squads for Sri Lankan tour
Craig Ervine return to Zimbabwe team (Source: Twitter)
Craig Ervine is set to captain Zimbabwe in the upcoming three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka. However, veteran all-rounder Sean Williams will be absent from the tour. The tour includes three T20Is as well. Williams sustained a side injury during the second T20I against Ireland last month. Ervine who also missed the home series against Ireland due to a groin niggle has been included in both squads.
In addition to it, the uncapped off-spinner Tapiwa Mufudza earned a call-up to the ODI squad following an impressive domestic season. The 33-year-old Mufudza, who played a key role in Mashonaland Eagles’ title win in Pro50 Championship 2023, emerged as the highest wicket-taker with 18 wickets. Fast bowling all-rounder Faraz Akram, who was initially selected for Ireland ODIs but didn’t feature, is still in contention for his ODI debut.
Moreover, Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Tinashe Kamunhukamwe, Milton Shumba, and Tony Munyonga, among the seven new players who featured against Ireland, retain their spots for the ODIs in Sri Lanka. However, Kaitano, Mufudza, and Akram will be replaced by allrounder Brian Bennett (who debuted in T20Is against Ireland), Ainsley Ndlovu, and Carl Mumba in the T20I squad led by Sikandar Raza.
Zimbabwe had a forgettable 2023
Zimbabwe endured a forgettable year in 2023, facing disappointment in two World Cup qualifying events. Initially, they fell short of securing a spot in the ODI World Cup in India, unable to finish in the top two of the qualifying tournaments held in their own country. Subsequently, they missed out on qualification for the 20-team T20 World Cup set to take place in the West Indies and the USA after defeats to Namibia and Uganda in the Africa Region Qualifier.
After the home series against Ireland, Dave Houghton resigned from his role as the head coach. Walter Chawaguta will serve as the interim head coach for Zimbabwe’s tour of Sri Lanka. The tour will feature ODIs on January 6, 8, and 11, followed by T20Is on January 14, 16, and 18.
