Zimbabwe ODI squad for Sri Lanka series announced

The Zimbabwe One-Day International squad for the Sri Lanka series has been announced with Brendan Taylor set to make a comeback in the 50-over format after September 2021.

Craig Ervine will lead a 16-member squad for the two-match ODI series, to be held on August 29 and 31 at the Harare Sports Club.

Wicketkeeper-batter Brendan Taylor marks his return to the ODI side while Richard Ngarava comes back from injury to boost the bowling attack alongside Blessing Muzarabani.

The squad also includes four players who did not feature in Zimbabwe’s ODI series against Ireland - Clive Madande, Tony Munyonga, Brad Evans and an uncapped seamer Ernest Masuku.

Zimbabwe Convener of Selectors David Mutendera believes Taylor’s presence in the squad will lift the dressing room. This will be Taylor’s first ODI appearance since facing Ireland in September 2021.

“We are delighted to welcome Brendan back into the fold,” he said.

“His experience and quality are invaluable, especially in pressure situations, and his presence will no doubt lift the dressing room.
“This squad has been selected to give us the best chance against a strong Sri Lankan side.

“We have combined proven match-winners with players who are hungry to make their mark, and that mix of experience and energy will be crucial as we transition from red-ball cricket to the fast pace of ODIs.”

Both the captain Ervine and the head coach Justin Sammons felt that the adjustment from red-ball cricket to the ODIs is going to be a test.

Zimbabwe played their last ODI in February, having played seven Tests post that. The ODI series will be followed by a three-match T20I tournament in early September.

Zimbabwe ODI squad: Craig Ervine (Captain), Brian Bennett, Johnathan Campbell, Ben Curran, Brad Evans, Trevor Gwandu, Wessly Madhevere, Clive Madande, Ernest Masuku, Tony Munyonga, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, Newman Nyamhuri, Sikandar Raza, Brendan Taylor, Sean Williams.