ZIM vs IRE 2023: Gary Ballance returns to his home team as Zimbabwe name 15-member T20I squad
Zimbabwe-born Ballance will make his debut for his country, having represented England previously
Former England player Gary Ballance is set to make his T20I debut for Zimbabwe as he was named in the squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series scheduled to be played against Ireland. The two sides will lock horns on January 12 at the Harare Sports Club in Harare to kick-start the T20I series.
Following his release from county cricket side Yorkshire, the left-handed hitter, who represented England in 23 Tests and 16 one-day international matches between 2014 and 2017, will now be playing for his country Zimbabwe. Ballance represented his home country in U19s before moving to England, but he will be back to represent Zimbabwe after being released by his county club Yorkshire.
He is one of four changes that have been made to the team of 15 players from Zimbabwe that competed in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2022 in Australia. After receiving permission from Zimbabwe Cricket to play franchise cricket elsewhere, star all-rounder Sikandar Raza, who is up for the ICC Men's Cricketer of the Year, ICC Men's ODI Cricketer of the Year, and ICC Men's T20I Cricketer of the Year awards, will not take part in the series against Ireland.
Along with Milton Shumba and wicketkeeper-batsman Regis Chakabva, pace bowler Blessing Muzarabani was not selected due to a quadriceps injury. Other newcomers to the team, in addition to Ballance, include Tadiwanashe Marumani, Innocent Kaia, and Victor Nyauchi. Tendai Chatara, Richard Ngarava, Sean Williams, and skipper Craig Ervine will all be present for the fixtures.
On January 12, 14, and 15, the three T20I games will be contested. All three games are slated to begin at 1:00 p.m. local time. The three-match ODI series between the two teams is scheduled for January 18, 21, and 23, also at Harare Sports Club.
ZIMBABWE T20I SQUAD FOR IRELAND SERIES:
Ervine Craig (c), Ballance Gary, Burl Ryan, Chatara Tendai, Evans Bradley, Jongwe Luke, Kaia Innocent, Madande Clive, Madhevere Wessly, Marumani Tadiwanashe, Masakadza Wellington, Munyonga Tony, Ngarava Richard, Nyauchi Victor, Williams Sean
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