Zimbabwe’s Test Squad vs Ireland: Fresh Faces and Surprising Omissions
Zimbabwe Cricket has unveiled its squad for the upcoming one-off Test against Ireland starting February 6 in Bulawayo. Two uncapped players, legspinner Vincent Masekesa and top-order batter Nicholas Welch, have earned their maiden Test call-ups.
Masekesa, 27, has been impressive in first-class cricket with 49 wickets in 15 matches, while Welch, also 27, brings solid batting credentials with 1216 runs in 26 first-class games at an average of 31.
Key omissions include Dion Myers and Tadiwanashe Marumani, who were part of the squad during Zimbabwe’s recent series against Afghanistan.
Sikandar Raza Absent from Test Squad
Zimbabwe will also be without star all-rounder Sikandar Raza, who is currently playing in the ILT20 tournament for Dubai Capitals. According to Zimbabwe Cricket, Raza had committed to franchise cricket before the Ireland series schedule was finalized. However, he will return to lead the T20I squad later in the tour.
In a relief for the team, Sean Williams has been passed fit to play after recovering from a back injury.
Zimbabwe’s ODI and T20I Squads: Key Changes
ODI Squad Highlights:
Zimbabwe has made two changes to the ODI squad, bringing in Wessly Madhevere and Nyasha Mayavo while leaving out Myers and Joylord Gumbie.
T20I Squad Highlights:
In the shortest format, Zimbabwe will see Sikandar Raza as captain. Faraz Akram and Takudzwanashe Kaitano have missed out on selection, while Dion Myers retains his place.
Ireland’s Full Tour Schedule
Ireland’s tour of Zimbabwe comprises a one-off Test, three ODIs, and three T20Is:
- Test Match: February 6 – 10 in Bulawayo
- ODIs: February 14, 16, and 18 in Harare
- T20Is: February 22, 23, and 25 in Harare
Zimbabwe Squads for Ireland Series
Test Squad
Craig Ervine (capt), Brian Bennett, Johnathan Campbell, Ben Curran, Joylord Gumbie, Trevor Gwandu, Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Vincent Masekesa, Nyasha Mayavo, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, Newman Nyamhuri, Victor Nyauchi, Nicholas Welch, Sean Williams.
ODI Squad
Craig Ervine (capt), Brian Bennett, Johnathan Campbell, Ben Curran, Trevor Gwandu, Wessly Madhevere, Tinotenda Maposa, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Wellington Masakadza, Nyasha Mayavo, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, Newman Nyamhuri, Sikandar Raza, Sean Williams.
T20I Squad
Sikandar Raza (capt), Brian Bennett, Ryan Burl, Johnathan Campbell, Trevor Gwandu, Wessly Madhevere, Tinotenda Maposa, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Wellington Masakadza, Nyasha Mayavo, Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Blessing Muzarabani, Dion Myers, Richard Ngarava, Newman Nyamhuri.
FAQs
Q: Who are the uncapped players in Zimbabwe’s Test squad?
A: Legspinner Vincent Masekesa and batter Nicholas Welch are the uncapped players in the squad.
Q: Why is Sikandar Raza not playing the Test match?
A: Raza is currently participating in the ILT20 tournament and will return for the T20I series.
Q: When does Ireland’s tour of Zimbabwe start?
A: The tour begins with a one-off Test on February 6 in Bulawayo.
Q: Which players were left out of the Test squad?
A: Dion Myers and Tadiwanashe Marumani were omitted after Zimbabwe’s series against Afghanistan.
Q: Who is captaining Zimbabwe’s Test and T20I squads?
A: Craig Ervine will lead the Test and ODI squads, while Sikandar Raza will captain the T20I side.
Final Thought
Zimbabwe’s bold selection choices signal a focus on building for the future while leveraging experienced players like Sikandar Raza and Sean Williams. Ireland’s tour promises thrilling cricket action, starting with the much-anticipated Test match in Bulawayo.
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