Synopsis
Zimbabwe Cricket has revealed its squads for the upcoming home series against Ireland, which includes a Test, ODIs, and T20Is in February 2025. Two uncapped players, Vincent Masekesa and Nicholas Welch, will make their Test debuts, while veteran Sean Williams returns to strengthen the team.Key Takeaways
- New Players: Vincent Masekesa and Nicholas Welch earn their first Test call-ups.
- Sean Williams Returns: Veteran all-rounder back after injury.
- ODI Changes: Nyasha Mayavo and Wessly Madhevere join the ODI squad.
- Dynamic T20I Squad: Focus on specialized players for T20 matches.
- Series Schedule: Test starts on February 6, followed by ODIs and T20Is.
Harare, Jan 24 (NationPress) Zimbabwe Cricket has announced its squads for the eagerly awaited home series against Ireland, featuring a one-off Test match, three ODIs, and three T20Is. This series is set to occur in February 2025, providing fans with a blend of formats and thrilling cricket. The Test squad includes two players who have yet to earn caps: Vincent Masekesa, a 27-year-old leg-spinner, and Nicholas Welch, a 26-year-old batter, both receiving their first call-ups to the longest format.
Nicholas Welch, who debuted in T20Is against Namibia in October 2023, has caught the attention of selectors with his potential and is now set to demonstrate his abilities in the Test arena. Meanwhile, Vincent Masekesa’s selection underscores the selectors’ trust in his capacity to add a new dimension to the bowling lineup. The introduction of these fresh faces results in the exclusion of Tadiwanashe Marumani and Dion Myers from the Test squad.
However, Myers continues to be part of the T20I squad, reflecting the selectors' confidence in his skills for the shorter format. A major boost for Zimbabwe is the return of seasoned all-rounder Sean Williams, whose availability has been confirmed following recovery from a back injury that kept him out during the Afghanistan series. His experience and versatility will be crucial for Zimbabwe, particularly in the Test format.
The ODI squad has seen a few changes, with Nyasha Mayavo and Wessly Madhevere stepping in for Dion Myers and Joylord Gumbie. Mayavo's wicketkeeping and Madhevere's all-round skills are expected to bolster Zimbabwe's balance in the 50-over format. The absence of Myers from the ODI lineup is compensated by his place in the T20I squad, where his aggressive playing style aligns with the demands of the shorter format.
In the T20I setup, Zimbabwe has opted for a more focused squad by leaving out Faraz Akram and Takudzwanashe Kaitano. These changes reflect the team’s aim to create a dynamic and specialized squad for T20 cricket, considering the intense nature of the format.
The series will kick off with a one-off Test match at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, starting on February 6. This historic venue will host the inaugural clash between the two teams in the longest format.
Attention will then turn to the ODIs, scheduled for February 14, 16, and 18. These matches will occur under the ICC Cricket World Cup Super League framework, making them significant for both teams regarding qualification. Lastly, the exhilarating T20I series will begin on February 22, with consecutive matches on February 23 and the final match on February 25.
Test Squad: Craig Ervine (Captain), Brian Bennett, Johnathan Campbell, Ben Curran, Joylord Gumbie, Trevor Gwandu, Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Vincent Masekesa, Nyasha Mayavo, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, Newman Nyamhuri, Victor Nyauchi, Nicholas Welch, Sean Williams
ODI Squad: Craig Ervine (Captain), Brian Bennett, Johnathan Campbell, Ben Curran, Trevor Gwandu, Wessly Madhevere, Tinotenda Maposa, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Wellington Masakadza, Nyasha Mayavo, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, Newman Nyamhuri, Sikandar Raza, Sean Williams
T20I Squad: Sikandar Raza (Captain), Brian Bennett, Ryan Burl, Johnathan Campbell, Trevor Gwandu, Wessly Madhevere, Tinotenda Maposa, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Wellington Masakadza, Nyasha Mayavo, Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Blessing Muzarabani, Dion Myers, Richard Ngarava, Newman Nyamhuri
