Big names return as Zimbabwe name squad for Bangladesh Tests
Craig Ervine returns as skipper for the two-Test series in Bangladesh
Zimbabwe have named a 15-man squad for their upcoming two-Test series against Bangladesh, marking the team's first red-ball assignment in the subcontinent since 2020.
Veteran all-rounder Sean Williams returns to the squad after recovering from a back injury, while captain Ervine is also back to lead the side following his late withdrawal from the Test against Ireland earlier this year.
Zimbabwe Test Squad: Craig Ervine (c), Brian Bennett, Johnathan Campbell, Ben Curran, Trevor Gwandu, Wessly Madhevere, Wellington Masakadza, Vincent Masekesa, Nyasha Mayavo, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, Victor Nyauchi, Tafadzwa Tsiga, Nicholas Welch, Sean Williams.
Apart from the return of the big names, the squad also sees a few notable changes, with wicketkeeper-batter Tafadzwa Tsiga being recalled two years after making his Test debut against West Indies.
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Wellington Masakadza, who last played a Test in 2023 against West Indies, also returns to the side, while Wessly Madhevere retains his place in the squad, having been a last-minute call-up to replace Ervine in the Test against Ireland.
Nicholas Welch, who impressed with a 90 on debut against Ireland, has also been called up while uncapped leg-spinner Vincent Masekesa was the only new face in the squad.
Wicketkeeper-batter Joylord Gumbie, young pacer Newman Nyamhuri and top-order batter Takudzwanashe Kaitano all missed out on selection.
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Head Coach Justin Sammons was confident ahead of a big tour. “We are very excited to be heading into a period where Test cricket will be our sole focus,” he said.
“I am certain this group of players will continue to grow as individuals and as a team as they face new challenges in different conditions.
“The squad has been set up to give us the best balance to deal with whatever may be thrown our way."
The last time the two nations squared off in Bangladesh, in February 2020, the hosts emerged victorious with an innings and 106-run win in Mirpur, with Mushfiqur Rahim smashing an unbeaten double hundred.
The first Test of the upcoming tour will be played at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium from 20 to 24 April, with the teams moving to Chattogram for the second Test at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium from 28 April to 2 May.