Brendan Taylor and Kyle Jarvis, who were available for the national team selection after their county stints, have been included in the 16-member squad for a two-match series against West Indies commencing from Saturday in Bulawayo. The Australia-based all-rounder Solomon Mire, who was also, included in the squad, will likely make his test debut in this series.
As many as seven changes were made into the squad that played the last test against Sri Lanka last July with Ryan Burl, Tendai Chatara, Tarisai Musakanda, Carl Mumba, Natsai Mushangwe, Nathan Waller and Donald Tiripano not making into the squad. Of all these players, Chatara is the only one missing out due to injury.
Uncapped players like wicketkeeper Nyasha Mayavo and left-arm pacer Tendai Chisoro were also included in the squad. While Mayavo will miss out to regular wicket-keeper Regis Chakabva, Chisoro will have to earn his place with experienced Chris Mpofu, returning Kyle Zarvis and Michael Chinouya, who didn’t make the squad for the Sri Lanka series. Chamu Chibhabha was also included in the squad.
Almost 3 years since I last wore my test cap. In 4 days I get to wear it again and represent @ZimCricketv and country. pic.twitter.com/fA4BFTZ3Wv
— Brendan Taylor (@BrendanTaylor86) October 17, 2017
The 31-year-old batsman will add more depth to the Zimbabwean batting line-up with his return alongside Mire. Taylor averages 34.72 in 23 test matches he has represented his country while Jarvis is all set to take the responsibility of the pace attack bringing in much-needed pace and aggression to the Zimbabwe attack. The Zimbabwe batting line-up looks confident with all the players chipping in with useful score when needed.
Zimbabwe Cricket is focusing more on test cricket now as they are slated to travel to South Africa to play a four-day Boxing Day test match later this year. They are also in talks for a series against Afghanistan in UAE before the World cup Qualifiers in March.
Zimbabwe Test squad: Graeme Cremer (c), Hamilton Masakadza, Solomon Mire, Chamu Chibhabha, Craig Ervine, Brendan Taylor, Sikandar Raza, Sean Williams, Malcolm Waller, Peter Moor, Regis Chakabva, Michael Chinouya, Chris Mpofu, Kyle Jarvis, Tendai Chisoro, Nyasha Mayavo
