Zimbabwe unveil squad for historic Test series against Afghanistan
Seven uncapped players, including opening batter Ben Curran, have been called up for the Test series against Afghanistan.
Zimbabwe have unveiled their squad for the highly anticipated two-match Test series against Afghanistan, with the festive fixtures marking a historic moment for the country.
The series will see Zimbabwe host its first-ever Boxing Day Test at home in 28 years and their very first New Year's Test.
The uncapped players included in the squad are opening batter Ben Curran, middle-order batter Johnathan Campbell, wicketkeeper-batters Tadiwanashe Marumani and Nyasha Mayavo, as well as pace bowlers Trevor Gwandu, Takudzwa Chataira and Newman Nyamhuri.
WATCH: Ricky Ponting on Sikandar Raza's renaissance
Veteran Craig Ervine will lead the side as captain, with an experienced core of players including Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza, Blessing Muzarabani and Richard Ngarava making the cut as well.
Squad: Craig Ervine (Captain), Ben Curran, Brian Bennett, Johnathan Campbell, Takudzwa Chataira, Joylord Gumbie, Trevor Gwandu, Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Brandon Mavuta, Nyasha Mayavo, Blessing Muzarabani, Dion Myers, Richard Ngarava, Newman Nyamhuri, Sikandar Raza, Sean Williams
The first Test is set to be played from 26-30 December at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, with Zimbabwe also preparing for its inaugural New Year’s Test, which will take place from January 2-6 next year.
WATCH: Chilled' Craig Ervine a born leader for Zimbabwe
Captain Craig Ervine looking to take Zimbabwe one step further during the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2023
This series is of special significance, marking Zimbabwe's return to Boxing Day Test cricket after their last home Boxing Day Test match in 1996, a rain-affected draw against England at Harare Sports Club.
Since then, Zimbabwe has only participated in Boxing Day Tests abroad, facing New Zealand in 2000 and South Africa in 2017, with the latter being a pink-ball day-night Test in Port Elizabeth.
In addition, the upcoming New Year’s Test will be the first for Zimbabwe both at home and internationally, adding to the series' significance for the home side.