CAPE TOWN - Zimbabwe’s chances in their upcoming ODI and T20 series against the Proteas have received a significant boost with the return of senior players Brendan Taylor, Craig Ervine and Sean Williams to the squad.
The trio alongside, Graeme Cremer and Sikandar Raza were not available for selection for the home tri-series in July this year and the five-match ODI series against Pakistan because of a pay dispute.
Zimbabwe Cricket had not paid match fees to its players for almost a year at that point in time which led to a discord. But with the ICC-structured funding plan working alongside ZC to bring back financial stability, the trio have ended their hiatus from the national team.
Former captain Cremer was not considered for selection after undergoing a knee surgery recently, while Pakistan-born Raza was not considered for selection after his central contract was not renewed following a dispute with ZC. Stylish all-rounder Raza is still available for selection, but after a public social media spat with the ZC it seems unlikely that he will return anytime soon.
Zimbabwe’s squad has been further bolstered by the return of batsman Solomon Mire and seam bowler Kyle Jarvis, who have regained full fitness. Zimbabwe will travel to South Africa for a three-match ODI series beginning on September 30 in Kimberley and that will be followed by a three-match T20I series.
South Africa’s northern neighbours last tour here was the inaugural floodlit Boxing Day Test last year in Port Elizabeth, which unfortunately lasted just one-and-half days before the visitors crashed to a heavy defeat.
After landing back in Zimbabwe my agent informed me of this
For all those who have been asking! @Stemsports1 @uzayrraja123 pic.twitter.com/COtO3FdlAg
— Sikandar Raza (@SRazaB24) September 7, 2018
Zimbabwe sqauds
ODI Squad: Hamilton Masakadza (c), Solomon Mire, Craig Ervine, Brendan Taylor, Sean Williams, Peter Moor, Elton Chigumbura, Donald Tiripano, Kyle Jarvis, Brandon Mavuta, Richard Ngarava, Tinashe Kamunhukamwe, Wellington Masakadza, Ryan Murray, Tendai Chatara.
T20I Squad: Hamilton Masakadza (c), Solomon Mire, Neville Madziva, Brendan Taylor, Sean Williams, Peter Moor, Elton Chigumbura, Tendai Chisoro, Kyle Jarvis, Brandon Mavuta, Christopher Mpofu, Chamu Chibhabha, Wellington Masakadza, Tarisai Musakanda, Tendai Chatara.
Traveling back to Harare
I met with the Chairman of ZC to discuss the best way forward
I can happily say a lot of good things came out of the meeting and I am confident that this matter will be resolved sooner rather than later In sha Allah.
Thank you all for prayers &support pic.twitter.com/5m6JclTFwZ
— Sikandar Raza (@SRazaB24) September 9, 2018