Ben Curran and Sikandar Raza are included in Zimbabwe's team for the Test matches against New Zealand
Ben Curran and Sikandar Raza are included in Zimbabwe's team for the Test matches against New Zealand
Star all-rounder Sikandar Raza returns to the Test squad, while Ben Curran recovers from injury. Zimbabwe’s board announced the team for the upcoming two-match Test series against New Zealand, scheduled to be played at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo.
Zimbabwe is gearing up to host New Zealand in a historic two-match Test series starting July 30 in Bulawayo, and plenty is happening behind the scenes. A refreshed 16-player squad has been named, featuring some returns, some surprises, and a notable comeback waiting just around the corner.
Ben Curran is back in the squad after recovering from a fractured hand he sustained in a warm-up match against South Africa in Arundel. His return adds experience to Zimbabwe’s batting, especially after the team struggled in their recent 2-0 Test series defeat against South Africa.
Former Zimbabwe captain Brendan Taylor isn’t officially part of the squad yet. That’s because his ban for violating the ICC’s anti-corruption code expires on July 25. Sources suggest he will be added after that date and is likely to be available for the first Test against New Zealand, which starts on July 30. Taylor’s return would be a major boost to Zimbabwe's middle order and team morale.
There are three changes to the squad that faced South Africa:
1. Sikandar Raza returns after missing the South Africa Tests due to commitments in the Major League Cricket (MLC).
2. Roy Kaia and Tanunurwa Makoni have also been brought back into the squad.
3. Out go opening batters Takudzwanashe Kaitano and Prince Masvaure, middle-order batter Wessly Madhevere, and fast bowler Kundai Matigimu, who debuted in the last series.
Blessing Muzarabani leads Zimbabwe’s pace unit, but Richard Ngarava hasn’t made the cut, possibly due to a back injury he picked up in the England Test. While Ngarava has returned to play in the ongoing T20 tri-series against South Africa and New Zealand, he wasn’t selected for the Tests.
Also included is Brian Bennett, who missed parts of the South Africa series after suffering a concussion. Bennett’s return strengthens the batting and bowling balance. Dion Myers, who had replaced Bennett as cover, has now been released from the squad.
Both Test matches will be played at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo. The venue is known for slow scoring and challenging conditions for fast bowlers although South Africa recently broke the trend by scoring at 5.49 runs per over.
This series also marks Zimbabwe’s first Test series against New Zealand since 2016, when the Kiwis won 2-0 in Bulawayo. It’s a big moment for Zimbabwe, wrapping up a packed Test calendar that saw them play eight Tests since last December.
Zimbabwe have had a tough time in Test cricket lately. Of their last 15 matches, they've won only one, with all five recent home games ending in losses. Despite hosting five Tests at the same venue since December, results haven’t gone in their favor. The upcoming matches against New Zealand give them a chance to turn things around before their next Test assignment against Afghanistan later this year.
It’s also important to note that this series is not part of the ongoing World Test Championship cycle. While the matches still offer valuable playing time and experience, there are no WTC points at stake.
Zimbabwe squad: Craig Ervine (C), Tanaka Chivanga, Brian Bennett, Trevor Gwandu, Ben Curran, Roy Kaia, Clive Madande, Tanunurwa Makoni, Vincent Masekesa, Blessing Muzarabani, Wellington Masakadza, Newman Nyamhuri, Tafadzwa Tsiga, Sikandar Raza, Nicholas Welch, Sean Williams