Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan Test Series: Zimbabwe has included seven uncapped players in its squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against Afghanistan. Both test matches will be played at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo. Batsmen Ben Curran, who recently made his debut for Zimbabwe, and Jonathan Campbell, wicketkeeper-batsmen Tadiwanashe Marumani and Nyasha Mayavo as well as fast bowlers Trevor Gwandu, Takudzwa Chatara and Newman Nyamahuri are uncapped players in Zimbabwe’s Test squad.
The series against Afghanistan is an important occasion for Zimbabwe cricket as it will host its first Boxing Day Test on its home ground in 28 years. The last time Zimbabwe played a home Boxing Day Test was in 1996, which ended in a rain-affected draw against England at the Harare Sports Club. Since then, Zimbabwe has only played a Boxing Day Test abroad against New Zealand in 2000 and South Africa in 2017.
After the first Test against Afghanistan on December 26-30, Zimbabwe will host its first New Year Test on January 2-6, 2025. This will be Zimbabwe’s second Test of 2024 after playing the only match against Ireland in Belfast in July, where they lost by four wickets.
Craig Erwin will captain the team, while experienced Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza, Blessing Muzarabani and Richard Ngarwa are also included in the Test team. Of the seven uncapped players included in the squad, six have been with the national team in white-ball formats, with 26-year-old right-arm fast bowler Chatara earning his first national call-up. He is currently ranked sixth in the wicket-taking list for the ongoing Logan Cup first-class competition.
Zimbabwe lost the T20 leg of their series against Afghanistan 2-1, and are currently playing the second ODI against them in Harare, followed by the third ODI and two Tests in Bulawayo.
Zimbabwe Test squad: Craig Ervin (captain), Ben Curran, Brian Bennett, Jonathan Campbell, Takudzwa Chataira, Joylord Gumby, Trevor Gwandu, Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Tadivanashe Marumani, Brandon Mavuta, Nyasha Mayavo, Blessing Muzarabani, Dion Myers, Richard Ngarawa, Newman Nyamuri, Alexander Raza, Sean Williams.
