Raza will be out of the big series because of franchise commitments

Zimbabwe Cricket will be without their talisman, Sikandar Raza, for the upcoming two-match Test series against South Africa. Raza isn’t out with an injury but due to his franchise commitment with Seattle Orcas in Major League Cricket (MLC), which clashes with the series.

Not just that, Zimbabwe will also be without the duo of Richard Ngarava (lower back) and Ben Curran (fractured finger), who are injured and are out of the 16-member squad for the red-ball series. Meanwhile, Victor Nyauchi has been omitted from the squad. 

However, the injuries have given an opportunity to pacer Kundai Matigimu and legspinner Vincen Masekesa, who featured in the Bangladesh tour, while Trevor Gwandu also returns from an injury. 

Prince Masvaure and Takudzwanashe Kaitano are the two batters added to the squad, with the first of the two Tests starting on June 28 (Saturday).

Zimbabwe squad for the two-match Test series against South Africa

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.