Zimbabwe announce squad for ODI series against Australia, Blessing Muzarabani returns

After missing out on the series against Bangladesh and India, the Zimbabwean pacer Blessing Muzarabani is back in the squad. Declared fit, the 25-year-old is expected to play all the three ODI matches against Australia. The series is scheduled to begin on the 28th of August at the Tony Ireland Stadium in Townville, Australia.

Muzarabani was out of the squad for the past couple of series after a thigh muscle tear. His return to the squad will add a lot of value to their bowling attack against a strong Australian line-up. The speedster has represented Zimbabwe in 33 ODIs and picked up 46 wickets so far. 

Multiple players are out following their respective injuries

Even though Muzarabani is making his return to the team, regular captain Craig Ervine is still recovering from a hamstring injury. Tendai Chatara is yet to recover from a collarbone fracture while left-arm spinner Wellington Masakadza (shoulder tendon injury) and opening batter Milton Shumba (quadricep injury) were all unavailable for selection as well. Regis Chakabva will lead Zimbabwe in the absence of Craig Ervine. Tanaka Chivanga and John Masara have been named in the reserves. 

The series was originally scheduled to take place in August 2020 but was postponed because of Covid-19. As the tournament is part of the ODI Super League, the series holds extra value and Australia will be bringing their big boys in the tournament. Zimbabwe currently are at 12th position in the table with eight teams qualifying directly for the ODI World Cup.

The entire series will be taking place in Townsville. The three ODIs are scheduled to happen on 28th August, 31st August and 3rd September 2022.

Zimbabwe squad: Regis Chakabva (capt, wk), Ryan Burl, Brad Evans, Luke Jongwe, Innocent Kaia, Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Clive Madande (wk), Wesley Madhevere, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Tony Munyonga, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, Victor Nyauchi, Sikandar Raza and Sean Williams

Australia squad: Aaron Finch (c), Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, David Warner, Adam Zampa