adminZhuwawo, rookie batsman Kevin Kasuza and Matabeleland Tuskers medium pace bowler Bradley Staddon were added to the training squad after sensational youth pace bowler Glenn Querl failed to turn up for camp.
Querl is currently in England where he is playing club cricket at Unicorns and has been tied down by his overseas contract.
Zhuwawo has played one ODI and three Twent20 matches for Zimbabwe and assistant coach Steve Mangongo yesterday said they have decided to give more players an opportunity in the A side.
“We thought we needed to put a few more guys with potential in the squad to give them exposure so that they can prove themselves. Zhuwawo is a player who can hit the ball well and has a lot of potential as a batsman.
“Unfortunately he has not scored enough runs at franchise level but he is a kind of player who can be very useful at the top of the order.
“Obviously these additions would mean competition, which is good to improve our game,” said Mangongo.
Zhuwawo made his ODI debut in 2008 against Ireland when he opened the innings with Hamilton Masakadza and scored 16 runs in the 156-run victory. But he has often struggled to maintain consistency and last featured for the national team in September 2011 when Zimbabwe hosted Pakistan in twenty20 games.
Kasuza, who is also a vital member of the Under-19 team for the World Cup, was also roped in.
The 19-year old Mountaineers batsman was also in the training squad in preparation for the recent Pran twenty20 series that featured South Africa and Bangladesh.
He has scored two list A centuries in nine games at an average of 43.85. Kasuza has been touted as one of the bright prospects for the future following his impressive performances at franchise level.
“Kasuza could have been called in the first squad but was with the Under-19s in camp and we didn’t want to disturb their plans.
“Now they have taken a break and we felt he should just come in,” said Mangongo.
Zimbabwe A are preparing for the triangular series that is set to begin on July 13.
As part of the preparations, the team will engage the national team today in a practice match.
Zim A squad
Tinotenda Mawoyo (captain), Sikandar Raza Butt, Chamu Chibhabha, Regis Chakabva, Tendai Chatara, Craig Ervine, Gavin Ewing, Tafadzwa Kamungozi, Kevin Kasuza, Gregory Lamb, Tendai Manatsa, Shingirai Masakadza, Odicious Mhanje, Hillary Matanga, Tawanda Mupariwa, Natsai Mushangwe, Forster Mutizwa, Tinotemda Mutombodzi, Richmond Mutumbami, Richard Muzhange, Njabulo Ncube, John Nyumbu, Bradley Staddon, Cephas Zhuwawo.
Online Reporter