Bennett to lead Zimbabwe in Afghanistan Test series
The 22-year-old, who serves as vice-captain, will take over leadership duties as Richard Ngarava continues his recovery from a back injury.
Zimbabwe have named a 17-member squad for their two-match Test series against Afghanistan in the UAE, with Brian Bennett set to captain the side in the absence of the injured Richard Ngarava.
Fast bowler Tanaka Chivanga has also been ruled out of the series through injury.
The squad retains a chunk of the group that registered Zimbabwe’s biggest Test victory in June, when they defeated Bangladesh by an innings and 85 runs at Harare Sports Club.
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.
Brendan Taylor and Craig Ervine are part of the squad, having remained in the UAE following the ODI tri-series to prepare for the red-ball assignment. They will be joined by Innocent Kaia, Ben Curran, Tadiwanashe Marumani and Wessly Madhevere in the batting department.
Veteran leg-spinner Graeme Cremer has also returned to the Test squad, while Kundai Matigimu and Vincent Masekesa have earned recalls. All-rounder Antum Naqvi has been included after meeting the ICC eligibility criteria to represent Zimbabwe.
Blessing Muzarabani will lead the pace attack, with Brad Evans, Newman Nyamhuri, Matigimu and uncapped fast bowler Ernest Masuku also featuring among the seam options.
The two-match series will begin on 5 November, with the second Test scheduled to take place from 13 November. Both games will take place at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium in Sharjah.
Series schedule:
First Test:
Second Test:
