Online Reporter
Eddie Chikamhi
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE cricket captain Craig Ervine was in upbeat mood as the Chevrons departed for Bangladesh, where they are eyeing a turnaround in fortunes during a two-match Test series that begins this weekend.
Ervine, who missed Zimbabwe’s last Test against Ireland in February due to a personal emergency, returns to lead a side eager to defy the odds and secure a rare victory in the longest format of the game—particularly in the challenging subcontinental conditions.
This tour rekindles Zimbabwe’s Test rivalry with Bangladesh after a five-year hiatus, and Ervine is aware of the tough task awaiting his men—not least due to the sweltering heat and humidity they expect to encounter.
“Obviously it’s the first time in five years that I’m touring Bangladesh,” he told Zimpapers Sports Hub.
“It’s really exciting to be going to Bangladesh on a Test tour. We know how challenging those conditions can be and we’ve also got, I think, a squad that hasn’t really experienced those conditions too much.
“So, it’s really exciting for the guys to obviously be exposed to those sorts of conditions and those challenges because I think that only improves you as a cricketer,” said Ervine.
The Zimbabwean squad was scheduled to land at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka late yesterday and spend the night there before proceeding to Sylhet today. The first Test gets underway at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, with the second and final match set for the Bir Sreshtho Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Stadium in Chattogram from April 28.
Historically, Bangladesh has been a tough hunting ground for Zimbabwe. The Chevrons have only managed one win in their last six Test matches on Bangladeshi soil, and they suffered an innings defeat on their last tour in 2020. More broadly, Zimbabwe have failed to win a Test match in their last 10 attempts, stretching back five years.
Despite the odds, Ervine remains optimistic.
“I think the guys are as prepared as we could be with our home conditions. I’d probably say that when we do touch down in Bangladesh, it’s now just sort of adapting to the slight differences in the conditions and obviously also the climate, with it being quite hot and humid.
“So, those little things. I think you can only prepare so much at home and then you obviously got to get into the conditions you’re playing in and spend a little bit of time, you know, just making those small adjustments.
“But otherwise, the preparation that we’ve had here at home before departure over the last week or so has been excellent.”
Zimbabwe have played two Tests so far this year, both at Queens Sports Club, and lost to Afghanistan and Ireland. Ervine missed the second of those matches, withdrawing at the last minute due to a personal emergency.
The tour to Bangladesh marks the return of veteran all-rounder Sean Williams, who has recovered from a persistent back injury. Ervine believes Williams’ comeback adds crucial balance to the side.
“It’s nice having Sean back. I think he brings a lot of balance to the side with both bowling and batting. We know how good he is against spin, which is what you would expect going to Bangladesh—facing a lot of spin.
“In that regard, it will be really nice to have him back and hopefully fully fit,” said Ervine.
Three changes were made to the squad that faced Ireland. Wicketkeeper-batter Joylord Gumbie made way for Tafadzwa Tsiga, who returns to the Test fold two years after his debut against the West Indies.
Also back is left-arm spinner Wellington Masakadza, who last featured in that same series against the Caribbean side. He replaces young pace bowler Newman Nyamhuri.
The squad includes returning players Johnathan Campbell — who captained in Ervine’s absence — alongside Nicholas Welch, Ben Curran, Brian Bennett, Wessly Madhevere, and fast bowlers Blessing Muzarabani and Richard Ngarava.
The only uncapped player is leg-spinner Vincent Masekesa, who will be hoping to make his debut during the series.
Zimbabwe Test Squad:
Craig Ervine (Captain), Brian Bennett, Johnathan Campbell, Ben Curran, Trevor Gwandu, Wessly Madhevere, Wellington Masakadza, Vincent Masekesa, Nyasha Mayavo, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, Victor Nyauchi, Tafadzwa Tsiga, Nicholas Welch, Sean Williams.
