Ervine to lead depleted Zimbabwe Test squad against West Indies

Craig Ervine will lead the Zimbabwe team in the upcoming two-match Test series against the West Indies at home. Ervine has been asked to take over the captaincy duties with regular captain Sean Williams out with a fractured finger.

Apart from Williams, Zimbabwe will also be without several first-choice players for the two matches in Bulawayo. All-rounders Sikandar Raza and Ryan Burl will miss the series to fulfill their franchise commitments while fast bowlers Tendai Chatara and Blessing Mujarbani are hampered by injuries.

Donald Tiripano and Chamunorwa Chibhabha have been recalled to the squad and the presence of Gary Ballance will strengthen that middle order. Balance, who recently returned to play international cricket for Zimbabwe, featured in the 50-over format and in T20Is against Ireland. The 33-year-old has already played 23 Tests for England at an average of 37.45.

The first Test begins on February 4 at the Queen’s Sports Club and the second Test begins on February 12 at the same venue.

Squad: Gary Ballance, Chamunorwa Chibhabha, Tanaka Chiwanga, Craig Ervine (c), Bradley Evans, Joylord Gumby, Innocent Kaia, Tanunurwa Makoni, Wellington Masakadza, Kudzai Moonze, Brandon Mavuta, Richard Ngarwa, Victor Nyuchi, Milton Shumba, Donald Tiripano. tafdzwa siga