Ngarava ruled out, Raza takes charge for Australia ODIs
Sikandar Raza will lead the ODI side in Richard Ngarava's absence • AFP/Getty Images
Ngarava missed the recent T20I tri-series in Namibia with a lower back problem, and Cricinfo understands that it could be serious enough to rule him out for even longer than the upcoming Australia matches. Zimbabwe travel to the UAE in October to play a tri-series which includes Afghanistan and Bangladesh and then two Tests against Afghanistan to complete a busy 2026.
In Ngarava's absence, Blessing Muzarabani will lead the Zimbabwe attack, which includes Brad Evans and Newman Nyamhuri. Tanaka Chivanga, one of Zimbabwe's other pace options, is also unavailable with an Achilles concern.
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Veteran Zimbabwe batter Brendan Taylor has also been included in the squad. He will share the wicketkeeping duties with Tadiwanashe Marumani. Taylor has not played an ODI in over a year, since featuring against Sri Lanka in August 2025. Clive Madande misses out as a result.
Taylor's inclusion, along with Craig Ervine in the middle-order, will be important for a Zimbabwe line-up that has tended to rely heavily on Brian Bennett.
Legspinner Graeme Cremer, who made his comeback from an arm injury in Namibia, will play his first ODIs since 2018. Cremer made his international return last year, as Zimbabwe sought to qualify for the 2026 T20 World Cup and is now available across all formats. They beat Australia at that tournament on their way to Super Eight and automatic qualification for the 2028 edition.
This will be Zimbabwe's first ODI match-up against Australia since they travelled there in 2022 and the first time Australia have visited Zimbabwe in 12 years. The three ODIs are scheduled for September 15, 18 and 20, with all games scheduled to be played in Harare.
Zimbabwe squad for Australia ODIs
Sikandar Raza (capt), Ben Curran, Blessing Muzarabani, Brad Evans, Brendan Taylor, Brian Bennett, Craig Ervine, Ernest Masuku, Graeme Cremer, Innocent Kaia, Newman Nyamhuri, Ryan Burl, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Wellington Masakadza, Wessly Madhevere
Firdose Moonda is Cricinfo's senior correspondent for Africa and women's cricket
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