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Mehluli Sibanda, Senior Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWE have announced their 16-men squad for the two match Test cricket series against New Zealand at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, the first of which gets underway on 28 July.
Yet to be capped at international level left handed batsman Prince Masvaure has been called up to the squad while pace bowler Njabulo Ncube is recalled after last playing international cricket in 2011 against New Zealand. The 27-year old Masvaure, a first class cricketer since 2007 has been rewarded for his brilliant batting display which saw him score 88 not out and 146 runs for Zimbabwe A against South Africa A in the two four-day matches played in Harare and Bulawayo.
Other players included who have not played Test cricket before are batsman Peter Joseph Moor and pace bowler Taurai Muzarabani. The three have appeared in limited overs cricket for Zimbabwe.
Ncube whose last international appearance was against the Kiwis in Bulawayo in October 2011 in a Test which Zimbabwe lost by 34 runs has been included in the squad as the home team’s bowling attack was left weakened by the back injury to veteran Tinashe Panyangara. The 26-year old Ncube had turned his back on cricket in Zimbabwe and has been based in South Africa where he was a school coach.
Veteran Vusumuzi Sibanda has been omitted from the squad which raises serious questions on his future in international cricket.
Zimbabwe squad for New Zealand Tests: Graeme Cremer(captain), Sikandar Raza, Regis Chakabva, Brian Chari, Tendai Chatara, Chamunorwa Chibhabha, Craig Ervine, Hamilton Masakadza, Prince Masvaure, Tinotenda Mawoyo, Peter Joseph Moor, Richmond Mutumbami, Taurai Muzarabani, Njabulo Ncube, Donald Tiripano, Sean Williams.
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