Zimbabwe Cricket team (Source: @ZimCricketv/X)

Zimbabwe Cricket announced a 16-member squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against World Test Championship (WTC) winners South Africa. However, the squad will be without the services of key players Richard Ngarava and Ben Curran, both ruled out due to injuries.

Curran sustained a fractured finger after being struck on the hand during the practice match against the Proteas at Arundel earlier this month, while Ngarava suffered a lower back injury during Zimbabwe’s one-off Test against England in May. In addition, pacer Victor Nyauchi has been left out of the squad due to strategic compulsions.

The veteran all-rounder Sikandar Raza is also unavailable for the series due to franchise commitments with the Seattle Orcas in the Major League Cricket (MLC).

In consideration of the injuries, Zimbabwe has called up uncapped seamer Kundai Matigimu. The leg-spinner Vincent Masekesa, who featured in the Bangladesh Test series in April, makes a return to the squad. The fast bowler Trevor Gwandu is also back after recovering from a groin injury.

The batting unit has been reinforced with the additions of Prince Masvaure and Takudzwanashe Kaitano, strengthening Zimbabwe’s top order. The batting lineup also features skipper Craig Ervine, seasoned campaigner Sean Williams, and Brian Bennett. On the bowling front, much will depend on pace spearhead Blessing Muzarabani.

The first Test is scheduled to take place from June 28 to July 2, while the second Test will be held from July 6 to July 10. Both matches will be played at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo.

Craig Ervine (Captain), Brian Bennett, Tanaka Chivanga, Trevor Gwandu, Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Wessly Madhevere, Clive Madande, Vincent Masekesa, Wellington Masakadza, Prince Masvaure, Kundai Matigimu, Blessing Muzarabani, Newman Nyamhuri, Tafadzwa Tsiga (wk), Nicholas Welch, Sean Williams.

Temba Bavuma (Captain), David Bedingham, Matthew Breetzke, Dewald Brevis, Corbin Bosch, Tony de Zorzi, Zubayr Hamza, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Lhuan-Dre Pretorius, Lesego Senokwane, Prenelan Subrayen, Kyle Verreynne, Codi Yusuf.