Injury rules out Muzarabani

Innocent Kurira, Sports Reporter

FAST bowler Blessing Muzarabani will take no part in the ongoing three ODI match series against Australia as he is still recovering from injury.

Muzarabani missed the India series after sustaining a thigh muscle tear during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022 qualifier back in July.

He was named in the Chevrons squad for the series down under but is yet to reach full fitness according to Chevrons coach Dave Houghton.

Muzarabani has 46 wickets in ODIs from 33 matches, including three four-wicket hauls and one five-wicket haul.

“Blessing realistically will not play in this tour. The fact that he is here with us and training under the guidance of our physios is if we had left him at home no one would have really taken care of him. The priority is to get him ready for the T20 World Cup,” said Houghton.

Houghton, who watched his side fall to a five wicket defeat in the first ODI, has an idea on what his team needs to improve on.

“The biggest adjustment is the pace and bounce,” he said. The two sides battle in the second ODI today.
The series in Australia is part of the ICC Super League competition. The competition is serving as the main route for direct qualification for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 to be staged in India.

The series is part of the ICC ODI Super League that serves to identify the seven direct qualifiers, along with the hosts, for next year’s 50-over World Cup in India.

Zimbabwe are placed 12th in the 13-team pool, with just three wins in 15 matches. With their place at this year’s T20 World Cup sealed, Zimbabwe will also have an opportunity to acclimatise to Australian conditions when they tour the country for three ODIs in Townsville.

Zim squad Burl Ryan, Chakabva Regis (captain), Evans Bradley, Jongwe Luke, Kaia Innocent, Kaitano Takudzwanashe, Madande Clive, Madhevere Wessly, Marumani Tadiwanashe, Munyonga Tony, Muzarabani Blessing, Ngarava Richard, Nyauchi Victor, Raza Sikandar, Williams Sean 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 — @innocentskizoe