Zimbabwe Announces Squad for South Africa Test Series

Zimbabwe has revealed its squad for the forthcoming two-match Test series against South Africa, scheduled to commence on June 28 in Bulawayo.

The team will be without two significant players, opener Ben Curran and lead fast bowler Richard Ngarava, due to injuries.

Injured Players and Replacements

During a warm-up fixture earlier in June, Curran suffered a broken finger after being struck on the hand by Kagiso Rabada, preventing his participation in the series. Ngarava is also sidelined, recovering from a lower back injury sustained during Zimbabwe’s Test match against England last month.

Victor Nyauchi, a seamer who toured England, has been left out by the selectors for tactical reasons, considering the anticipated spin-friendly conditions in Bulawayo. Additionally, star all-rounder Sikandar Raza is unavailable because of his commitments to Major League Cricket (MLC).

Curran’s absence allows Prince Masvaure to return to the squad; he last played a Test against Ireland in 2023. Top-order batter Takudzwanashe Kaitano, leg-spinner Vincent Masekesa, and seamer Trevor Gwandu have also been recalled. Gwandu returns after recovering from a groin injury that kept him out of the England Test.

Kundai Matigimu, a 27-year-old pacer with limited first-class experience, may make his debut.

Key Players and Future Fixtures

The squad includes seasoned players Craig Ervine (captain) and Sean Williams. Blessing Muzarabani will spearhead the pace attack. Young talents such as Wessly Madhevere and Brian Bennett, who holds the record for the fastest Test century by a Zimbabwean, are also included.

This series marks the start of a busy Test schedule for Zimbabwe. Following their home series against Ireland in February, Zimbabwe will play six more Tests at home in 2025, bringing their total to 11 red-ball games, despite not being part of the ICC World Test Championship.

After the South Africa series, Zimbabwe will host a T20I tri-series involving New Zealand, followed by two Test matches against the Kiwis. A tour by Afghanistan is also planned for later in the year.

Zimbabwe Test Squad:

Craig Ervine (captain), Brian Bennett, Tanaka Chivanga, Trevor Gwandu, Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Wessly Madhevere, Clive Madande, Vincent Masekesa, Wellington Masakadza, Prince Masvaure, Kundai Matigimu, Blessing Muzarabani, Newman Nyamhuri, Tafadzwa Tsiga, Nicholas Welch, Sean Williams.