Zimbabwe has appointed its squad for an upcoming Test series against Afghanistan, highlighted by the first home Boxing Day Test in 28 years and its inaugural New Year’s Test. The team features both experienced players and several uncapped talents. The first Test is scheduled from December 26 to December 30 at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo.
On Thursday, Zimbabwe announced its squad for the eagerly awaited two-match Test series against Afghanistan. The series holds particular significance as it will feature Zimbabwe’s inaugural Boxing Day Test match at home in 28 years, alongside their first New Year’s Test. Among the uncapped players included in the squad are opening batter Ben Curran, middle-order batter Johnathan Campbell, wicketkeeper-batters Tadiwanashe Marumani and Nyasha Mayavo, as well as pace bowlers Trevor Gwandu, Takudzwa Chataira, and Newman Nyamhuri. Veteran Craig Ervine is appointed as captain, leading a team enriched with experience including Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza, Blessing Muzarabani, and Richard Ngarava.
The opening Test match is scheduled to take place from December 26 to December 30 at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo. Additionally, the squad is preparing for its first-ever New Year’s Test, which will occur from January 2 to January 6 next year. This series is historically significant as it marks Zimbabwe’s return to Boxing Day Test cricket, having last hosted a Boxing Day Test match in 1996, which ended in a rain-affected draw against England at Harare Sports Club. Since then, Zimbabwe has only participated in Boxing Day Test matches abroad, competing against New Zealand in 2000 and South Africa in 2017, with the latter being a pink-ball day-night Test in Port Elizabeth.
The Zimbabwean squad is as follows: Craig Ervine (C), Ben Curran, Brian Bennett, Johnathan Campbell, Takudzwa Chataira, Joylord Gumbie, Trevor Gwandu, Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Brandon Mavuta, Nyasha Mayavo, Blessing Muzarabani, Dion Myers, Richard Ngarava, Newman Nyamhuri, Sikandar Raza, and Sean Williams. (ANI)
Zimbabwe is preparing to host a major cricket event as they announce their squad for a two-match Test series against Afghanistan. This series is particularly historic, being the first Boxing Day Test match held in Zimbabwe in 28 years, alongside their inaugural New Year’s Test. With a blend of uncapped talent and experienced players, the squad aims to revitalize the country’s cricket scene on significant dates in the cricket calendar.
In summary, Zimbabwe’s announcement of its squad for the Test series against Afghanistan marks a significant milestone in their cricketing history. With the first Boxing Day Test at home in nearly three decades, the series presents an opportunity for both uncapped and seasoned players to shine. Under the leadership of Craig Ervine, the team is set to compete on December 26, heralding a new chapter in Zimbabwean cricket.
Original Source: thenewsmill.com
