adminThe former Zimbabwe international was hopeful that the players would hold their own against the Masvingo club.
Tuskers have not been at their best in the One Day games but are in the running to defend the most coveted silverware in domestic cricket, the Castle Logan Cup.
“Our preparations for both versions have been going on well and everyone is geared up for the Southern Rocks game. Tomorrow (today) the players are having a rest and we will meet on Saturday morning for the game.
“I have decided to give some guys who have not seen much of first team action some game time and they will play in the One Day match.
“We have been struggling in the One Day game and since we are no longer in the championship race, I will be fielding most of our Tuskers B-team players to see who is good enough to get a contract for next season.
“There are a number of players who are hungry for first team action and I’m sure the guys in the team will want to show that they deserve first class cricket,” Houghton said.
Former Tuskers skipper Tawanda Mupariwa who spent the better part of the first half of the season nursing an injury will play for the first time in the One Day games since recovering.
The pace bowler who has represented Zimbabwe is expected to lead the team’s bowling attack that also has seamer Glen Querl.
Querl is on an earn-as-you-play contract.
Thabo Mboyi, Tuskers 2010 Fielder of the Year winner has been presented with a chance to show that he can make the grade in the star-studded Tuskers squad.
Houghton also named Neil Davidson who will be making his senior debut and Brian Chari for the One Day team.
Experienced top-order batsman Keith Dabengwa, Gavin Ewing, Charles ‘Chopper’ Coventry and Stephen Trenchard are expected to lead Tuskers’ batting attack.
Other players commanding regular first team jerseys Sean Ervine, Bradley Staddon, wicketkeeper Tafadzwa Ngulube and Bradley Staddon are in the Tuskers’ One Day squad.
Team
Neil Davidson, Brian Chari, Gavin Ewing, Sean Ervine, Craig Ervine, Stephen Trenchard, Keith Dabengwa, Charles Coventry, Tafadzwa Ngulube, Thabo Mboyi, Bradley Staddon, Tawanda Mupariwa, Glen Querl
Online Reporter