ZIMBABWE have named a 16-man squad for the upcoming two match ODI series against Sri Lanka, with veteran wicketkeeper batter Brendan Taylor making a long-awaited return to international cricket.
The ODIs will be played on 29 and 31 August at Harare Sports Club, marking Taylor’s first appearance in Zimbabwe colours since September 2021 against Ireland.
Craig Ervine will lead the side, which features a mix of experience and fresh faces as Zimbabwe shifts from Test cricket, having played seven red ball matches this year, to the quicker demands of the 50 over game.
Sean Williams and Sikandar Raza will anchor the middle order, while the pace department is bolstered by a fit again Richard Ngarava and spearhead Blessing Muzarabani.
Four players Clive Madande, Tony Munyonga, Brad Evans and uncapped seamer Ernest Masuku have been drafted in after missing the last ODI series in February.
Convener of Selectors David Mutendera welcomed Taylor’s return, calling him “a proven match winner whose experience will lift the team in pressure moments.”
Head coach Justin Sammons stressed the need for quick adaptation: “We’ve just come off a demanding red ball series. Sri Lanka are a strong white ball unit; we must be switched on from the first ball.”
Captain Ervine echoed the sentiment: “White ball cricket demands flexibility. We’ll back our plans and look to use home conditions to our advantage.”
Zimbabwe squad: Craig Ervine (c), 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.
