Zimbabwe They announced their 17-member squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against Afghanistanis scheduled to start on December 26. The series marks a historic milestone for Zimbabwean cricket as the country prepares to host its first Boxing Day Test in 28 years and its opening Test of the New Year.
Craig Irvine to lead the Zimbabwe Test team
Veteran batsman Craig Irvin will lead the team, which includes seven players who have not previously played. Newcomers open the mixture Ben Curranmiddle-order batsman Jonathan Campbell, wicketkeeper-batsmen Tadiwanashi Marumane and Nyasha Maiavu, and bowlers Trevor Gwandu, Takodzwa Chatira and Nyoman Nyamhuri. Their inclusion highlights Zimbabwe's focus on nurturing young talent while balancing the squad with experienced players.
Zimbabwe's first boxing test on home soil since 1996
The first Test will be played at Queen's Sports Club in Bulawayo from 26 December, followed by the New Year's Test scheduled to begin on 2 January 2025. This series also marks Zimbabwe's return to hosting a Boxing Day Test at home for the first time. Since 1996, when they faced England. Over the years, Zimbabwe has only participated in overseas Boxing Day Tests, with notable appearances in New Zealand in 2000 and South Africa in 2017.
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Zimbabwe's squad includes a mix of veteran players such as Sikandar Raza, Shaun Williams and Blessing Muzarabane alongside promising new talents. The combination of experience and youth is expected to provide a strong foundation for the hosts as they seek to make the most of this historic occasion.
Afghanistan announced their Test squad for the upcoming series on Monday (December 16) marks the return of superstar Rashid Khan.
Zimbabwe's lineup for the Test series against Afghanistan
Craig Irvine (c), Ben Curran, Brian Bennett, Jonathan Campbell, Takodzwa Shatera, Joylord Gumbi, Trevor Gwandu, Takodzuwanashi Caetano, Tadiwanashi Marumane, Brandon Mafuta, Nyasha Maiavu, Blessing Muzarabane, Dion Myers, Richard Ngarava, Nyoman Nyamhuri, Sikander Raza . , Sean Williams.
