Zimbabwe’s selectors have dusted off veteran Brendan Taylor for a shock ODI comeback, banking on experience and a dash of desperation to face a ruthless Sri Lankan side. With Craig Ervine leading a 16-man squad, Zimbabwe’s mix of old heroes, returning injured pacers, and a handful of untested hopefuls screams both ambition and uncertainty ahead of the Harare clash.
Zimbabwe Reveal ODI Squad for Sri Lanka Series
Brendan Taylor is officially back in Zimbabwe’s ODI setup, making a comeback in the 50-over format after last playing in September 2021. The 38-year-old wicketkeeper-batter has been recalled for the upcoming two-match ODI series against Sri Lanka, set for August 29 and 31 at the Harare Sports Club.
Craig Ervine will captain a 16-member squad that sees Taylor’s return alongside pacer Richard Ngarava, who is back from injury to join Blessing Muzarabani in the bowling attack.
Four players who missed the Ireland series Clive Madande, Tony Munyonga, Brad Evans, and uncapped seamer Ernest Masuku have also been included.
Zimbabwe ODI squad: Craig Ervine (Captain), Brian Bennett, Johnathan Campbell, Ben Curran, Brad Evans, Trevor Gwandu, Wessly Madhevere, Clive Madande, Ernest Masuku, Tony Munyonga, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, Newman Nyamhuri, Sikandar Raza, Brendan Taylor, Sean Williams.
Convener of Selectors David Mutendera defended the squad, saying Taylor’s presence will give the dressing room a much-needed lift.
“We are delighted to welcome Brendan back into the fold. His experience and quality are invaluable, especially in pressure situations, and his presence will no doubt lift the dressing room. This squad has been selected to give us the best chance against a strong Sri Lankan side. We’ve combined proven match-winners with players hungry to make their mark, and that mix of experience and energy will be crucial as we transition from red-ball cricket to ODIs.”
Both captain Craig Ervine and coach Justin Sammons admitted that shifting from Tests to ODIs will be a challenge.
Sammons said, “We’ve just come off a tough red-ball series and now it’s about adjusting to the tempo and intensity of one-day cricket. Sri Lanka are a strong white-ball side and will punish any lapses, so we need to be sharp from ball one.”
Ervine echoed the same: “Switching from red-ball to white-ball cricket is always a test, especially against a team of Sri Lanka’s calibre. We need to stay flexible, back our plans, and make the most of home conditions to compete strongly.”
Zimbabwe last played an ODI in February and have since been absorbed in a heavy red-ball schedule, featuring seven Test matches. The two ODIs against Sri Lanka will be followed by a three-match T20I series in early September.
