Sikandar Raza will captain Zimbabwe as Brendan Taylor and Graeme Cremer return for the three-match ODI series against Australia.
HARARE: Zimbabwe have announced a 15-member squad for their three-match ODI series against Australia at Harare Sports Club, with Sikandar Raza named captain in the absence of regular skipper Richard Ngarava.
The three ODIs are scheduled for September 15, 18 and 20, marking Australia’s first ODI tour of Zimbabwe in more than a decade.
Raza to lead Zimbabwe
Raza will captain the side as Ngarava continues his recovery from a lower-back injury. Fast bowler Tanaka Chivanga has also been ruled out with an Achilles tendon injury.
Wicketkeeper-batter Clive Madande, who featured in Zimbabwe’s most recent ODI series against Bangladesh in July, has also been omitted from the squad.
Zimbabwe have bolstered their line-up with the return of experienced campaigners Brendan Taylor and Graeme Cremer. Their inclusion, alongside Raza and Craig Ervine, gives the hosts considerable experience ahead of a demanding series against Australia.
Zimbabwe strengthen batting and bowling options
Brian Bennett, Ben Curran and Innocent Kaia are among Zimbabwe’s main top-order batting options, while Blessing Muzarabani will lead the pace attack.
Muzarabani will be supported by Brad Evans, Newman Nyamhuri and Ernest Masuku in the fast-bowling department.
Cremer and Wellington Masakadza provide specialist spin options, while Ryan Burl and Wessly Madhevere add further all-round ability to the squad.
The series will give Zimbabwe valuable exposure to top-level opposition as they continue preparations for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027.
Zimbabwe eye World Cup preparations
Zimbabwe will co-host the 2027 World Cup alongside South Africa and Namibia, making regular matches against leading international sides an important part of their preparations.
The three-match series against Australia will therefore provide Zimbabwe with an opportunity to assess their squad against one of the world’s leading cricket teams while building towards the global tournament.
Zimbabwe squad for Australia ODI series
• Sikandar Raza (captain)
• Ben Curran
• Blessing Muzarabani
• Brad Evans
• Brendan Taylor
• Brian Bennett
• Craig Ervine
• Ernest Masuku
• Graeme Cremer
• Innocent Kaia
• Newman Nyamhuri
• Ryan Burl
• Tadiwanashe Marumani
• Wellington Masakadza
• Wessly Madhevere