Ervine Ruled Out of ODI Series Against Sri Lanka

HARARE: Craig Ervine, the Zimbabwe captain, will miss the ODI series against Sri Lanka due to a calf injury sustained before the opening match at Harare Sports Club this Friday. Sean Williams will take over as captain in his place.

Ervine’s injury occurred during a training session on Thursday. An MRI revealed a Grade II strain in his left calf, along with a resolving Grade I strain in his right calf.

The experienced 40-year-old is a key component of Zimbabwe’s batting lineup. He has faced several injury challenges recently. He last missed the Test match against Ireland in February 2025, to be present with his wife for their child’s birth.

Williams, who also sat out that Test due to a back issue, rejoined Ervine for the home Test series against Bangladesh in April-May. His most recent ODI game was in the same series against Ireland.

While Ervine’s absence is a setback, Zimbabwe’s squad will be strengthened by the return of Brendan Taylor, a prominent batter for the team over the past decade.

Taylor, who has scored 11 ODI centuries in 203 innings, is returning to the team after a three-year ban for corruption-related violations.

Ervine, who started playing in 2010, has played in 128 ODIs for Zimbabwe, scoring 1,926 runs at an average of 33.78, including four centuries. His highest score of 130 not out was achieved against New Zealand in Harare in 2015.