Zimbabwe have named a 16-man squad for the upcoming two-match ODI series against Sri Lanka in Harare, beginning on August 29, with former captain Brendan Taylor making a much-anticipated return to international cricket.
Taylor, one of Zimbabwe’s most decorated batters, last featured in an ODI back in September 2021 against Ireland. His comeback is being seen as a major boost to the side, with the selectors hoping his wealth of experience will stabilise the batting order against a strong Sri Lankan unit.
“We are delighted to welcome Brendan back into the fold. His experience and quality are invaluable, especially in pressure situations, and his presence will no doubt lift the dressing room,” Zimbabwe’s Convener of Selectors David Mutendera said while announcing the squad.
Mutendera also stressed that the combination of youth and experience was central to their selection. “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,” he added.
welcome back pace duo Richard Ngarava and Blessing Muzarabani, both of whom return to strengthen the bowling attack. Their availability adds depth to a seam department that will need to be at its best against Sri Lanka’s batting firepower.
Head coach Justin Sammons admitted that the change in format would test his players. “We’ve just come off a tough red-ball series and now it’s about adjusting to the tempo and intensity of one-day cricket. Sri Lanka are a strong white-ball side and will punish any lapses, so we need to be sharp from ball one,” he said.
Captain Craig Ervine echoed those sentiments, highlighting the challenge of switching formats. “It’s always a test to go from red-ball to white-ball cricket, especially against a team of Sri Lanka’s calibre. We need to stay flexible, back our plans and make the most of our home conditions to compete strongly,” Ervine remarked.
Zimbabwe last played ODI cricket in February before embarking on a string of seven Test matches. The two ODIs will be followed by a three-match T20I series in September, rounding off Sri Lanka’s tour.
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.