Vitori bounces back, Vusi sidelined

Sibanda, who was one of the top performers last year when the team marked their return to Test cricket with games against Bangladesh, Pakistan and New Zealand, was omitted from the list and replaced by Stuart Matsikenyeri.
A statement from Zimbabwe Cricket yesterday said the 28-year-old right hand batsman could not be considered as he breached regulations which could have made him eligible for selection after turning down a contract from Mid West Rhinos and opting for grade cricket in Australia.
ZC’s selection policy states that only players in the domestic franchise league are eligible for national duty.
“Vusimuzi Sibanda was not selected for the travelling party as the selectors upheld the ZC Cricket Committee policy which states that to be eligible for national selection, one has to be contracted to play domestic cricket in Zimbabwe.
“At the beginning of the season, Sibanda was offered a ZC contract which he declined in favour of one to play Grade Cricket in Australia.
“The eligibility policy provides for exceptions in the case of once-off tournaments abroad in which case a no objection certificate is issued, such as the one given to Zimbabwe captain Brendan Taylor.”
Zimbabwe welcome back from injury Brian Vitori and Graeme Cremer while all-rounder Keegan Meth reclaims his place in the side.
Besides, there are no major changes to the squad which includes a number of experienced players like Tatenda Taibu, Elton Chigumbura, Prosper Utseya, Hamilton Masakadza and Raymond Price. Brendan Taylor who is currently playing Twenty20 cricket in New Zealand will lead the side.
Cremer is going as the second spinner for the Test match and will then be replaced by Utseya for the One-Day International and Twenty20 matches.
Zimbabwe will be in New Zealand from 16 January to 14 February and the series will comprise a one-off Test starting 26 January, followed by three ODIs and two Twenty20s.
Top order batsman Matsikenyeri also makes a return after two years in the wilderness as he has been on top of his game at franchise level with Mashonaland Eagles.
Convener of selectors Givemore Makoni said Matsikenyeri had worked his way up to deserve a place in the side.
“Stuart Matsikenyeri has earned a recall into the national squad as he has done very well in the domestic competitions and is one of the few batsmen who have been consistent. He is an experienced and aggressive player,” he said.
Meanwhile, Malcolm Waller has been included on the shortlist of EspnCricinfo’s best One-Day International batting performances of 2011 for his 99 not out against New Zealand in the Third ODI in Bulawayo last year.
Zim Squad
Brendan Taylor (Captain), Regis Chakabva, Elton Chigumbura, Graeme Cremer, Kyle Jarvis, Hamilton Masakadza, Shingirai Masakadza, Stuart Matsikenyeri, Tinotenda Mawoyo, Keegan Meth, Forster Mutizwa, Raymond Price, Tatenda Taibu, Prosper Utseya, Brian Vitori, Malcolm Waller.