Brian Bennett To Lead Zimbabwe In Test Series Against Afghanistan

Zimbabwe Cricket has named its squad for the two-match Test series against Afghanistan in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with Brian Bennett set to lead the side in the absence of injured captain Richard Ngarava. The series will begin on November 5, with the second Test scheduled to start on November 13. Both matches will be played at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. The squad largely retains the group that secured Zimbabwe's biggest-ever Test victory in June, when they defeated Bangladesh by an innings and 85 runs at the Harare Sports Club. Zimbabwe Cricket said: "Ngarava remains sidelined as he recovers from a back injury, while fellow pace bowler Tanaka Chivanga is also unavailable through injury."

Bennett will have plenty of experience around him in the batting unit, with Brendan Taylor and Craig Ervine joining Innocent Kaia, Ben Curran, Tadiwanashe Marumani and Wessly Madhevere among the batting options.

Taylor and Ervine remained in the UAE after the ODI tri-series to prepare for the red-ball assignment, while veteran leg-spinner Graeme Cremer has also been included in the squad.

Kundai Matigimu and Vincent Masekesa return to the Test setup, while all-rounder Antum Naqvi has earned selection after meeting the ICC eligibility criteria to represent Zimbabwe.

Blessing Muzarabani leads the pace attack alongside Brad Evans, Newman Nyamhuri, Matigimu and uncapped fast bowler Ernest Masuku.

Cremer, Masekesa and Wellington Masakadza provide the specialist spin options, while wicketkeeper-batter Tafadzwa Tsiga is also part of the squad.

The two-match series will conclude Zimbabwe's extended tour of the UAE, following the recently completed ODI tri-series involving Afghanistan and Bangladesh, as well as the T20I series against Afghanistan.

Zimbabwe Squad

Brian Bennett (captain), Antum Naqvi, Ben Curran, Blessing Muzarabani, Brad Evans, Brendan Taylor, Craig Ervine, Graeme Cremer, Innocent Kaia, Ernest Masuku, Kundai Matigimu, Newman Nyamhuri, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Tafadzwa Tsiga, Vincent Masekesa, Wellington Masakadza, Wessly Madhevere.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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