Online Reporter
Brandon Moyo,Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE captain Craig Ervine has confirmed that veteran batter Brendan Taylor is part of their side for the two-match Test series but will only be available for next week’s second Test match.
Taylor was serving a three and a half year suspension for breaching the ICC anti-corruption code and his ban ended on Saturday.
The 39-year old has been training with the Test team in Bulawayo over the past couple of days ahead of the first Test which gets underway on Wednesday at Queens Sports Club.
Ervine said Taylor is a great addition to the team and brings a wealth of experience.
“He will be available for the second Test. I know how hard he has worked in his individual capacity in the last eight to 12 months in order for this to happen. I am excited to have him come back into the space in the next few days and looking forward to what he has to contribute to the team and the group. He will be coming from a space where he was exceptional in his international career before the ban and having to go through that process as an individual….,” said Ervine.
On Monday afternoon, when a Zimpapers Sports Hub team visited the Chevrons’ practice session, Taylor was rounding up wicket-keeping drills before padding up for the nets.
The Chevrons’ side for this Test series has also been bolstered by the return of Sikandar Raza, Ben Curran and Brian Bennett. Bennett was part of the squad for the South Africa Test but was ruled out on day two of the first match due to concussion.
Meanwhile, Black Caps Test captain Tom Latham has been ruled out of Wednesday’s opener with a shoulder injury.
Latham suffered the injury while fielding during a T20 match for Birmingham earlier this month and has not recovered sufficiently to be included in the eleven on Wednesday.
He will remain with the squad with the hope he will be fit for the second Test starting on August 7. White-ball captain Mitch Santner will lead the team, becoming New Zealand’s 32nd men’s Test captain.
Santner (30 Test caps) assumes the role fresh off a T20I Tri-Series victory in Harare where New Zealand remained undefeated throughout the five-match series.
New Zealand will also be missing the services of Glenn Phillips in the first Test.
“It’s a new feeling. It’s unfortunate for Tom, he has done a great job for the Test team over the last few years. It’s a great honour to be captain. Two massive parts of our side, Glenn has done well in that all-rounder role and Tom in batting but we have guys who can come in and do that job which is nice. We will make that final call on the team when we look at the pitch we have a strong side,” said Santner.
The first Test starts at 10am.
– @brandon_malvin
derick.khumalo