Ngarava, Curran and Raza to miss Test series against South Africa

Richard Ngarava and Ben Curran will miss the upcoming two-match Test series against South Africa due to injuries, Zimbabwe Cricket stated in a press-release while announcing a 16-man squad for the red-ball series. The roster also sees fast-bowler Victor Nyauchi miss out due to tactical reasons while Sikandar Raza, too, misses the series with franchise commitments with the Seattle Orcas in the MLC.

Curran and Ngarava will miss the tour due to a fractured finger and a lower back injury respectively. The former was hit on the hand in a match at Arundel against South Africa earlier this month, while Ngarava sustained the injury during the England Test last month.

The injuries have given rise to an opportunity for uncapped fast-bowler Kundai Matigimu (27) while legspinner Vincent Masekesa, who featured in the Bangladesh Test series in April, also returns. The bowling attack is further strengthened by Trevor Gwandu who has returned from a groin injury. On the batting front, Prince Masvaure and Takudzwanashe Kaitano are the other additions to the squad to bolster Zimbabwe's top-order.

The batting order is further stabilised by captain Craig Ervine, Sean Williams and Brian Bennett while all eyes will be on Blessing Muzarabani on the pace front.

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

Squad: 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.