Blessing Muzarabani, Zimbabwe’s fast bowler who has improved his fitness, has been re-inducted into the nation’s ODI squad for the three-match series against Australia that will begin on August 28. Muzarabani missed Zimbabwe’s most recent limited-overs series at home against Bangladesh and India due to a torn thigh muscle, but he was cleared to travel with the rest of the 15-member team on Tuesday.
For a third straight ODI series, Regis Chakabva will captain Zimbabwe because regular skipper Craig Ervine is currently recovering from a hamstring injury. Additionally unavailable for selection were Tendai Chatara (collarbone fracture), left-arm spinner Wellington Masakadza (shoulder tendon injury), and leadoff hitter Milton Shumba (quadricep injury).
Zimbabwe last competed in an ODI in Australia at the 2015 World Cup; prior to that, they had been invited to participate in a tri-series against the hosts and India back in 2004. This upcoming series was supposed to start in August 2020, but the Covid-19 outbreak forced a postponement.
The tour is a component of the ODI Super League, a competition between 13 countries where the top eight teams go to the 2023 World Cup in India. Zimbabwe is now ranked 12th on the table after only three of their 18 games this cycle. Australia is currently in eighth place.
Zimbabwe has named Tanaka Chivanga and John Masara as non-traveling reserves in addition to the 15 players that are currently traveling to Australia.
Zimbabwe last played India at their home and were whitewashed by the visitors, 3-0, in the ODI Series. The team couldn’t perform well in the first two matches but gave a solid competition in the third one but failed to bring the game home.
On August 28, August 31, and September 3, Townsville will host all three One Day Internationals.
Zimbabwe ODI squad: Ryan Burl, Regis Chakabva (captain), Brad Evans, Luke Jongwe, Innocent Kaia, Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Clive Madande, Wesley Madhevere, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Tony Munyonga, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, Victor Nyauchi, Sikandar Raza, Sean Williams.
ZIM Tour of Aus: Zimbabwe Announces Squad for Australia Tour
