Ngarava, Curran and Raza to miss Test series against South Africa

Injuries and franchise commitments have led to significant changes in the Zimbabwe squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against South Africa. Richard Ngarava and Ben Curran are sidelined due to injuries, while Sikandar Raza is unavailable due to his participation in the MLC with the Seattle Orcas.

Richard Ngarava, Ben Curran and Sikandar Raza are the key players missing in the Zimbabwe squad for the Tests against South Africa © Getty

Zimbabwe Cricket announced a 16-man squad for the red-ball series, confirming that fast bowler Victor Nyauchi will also miss out due to tactical reasons.

Curran's absence is due to a fractured finger sustained during a match against South Africa in Arundel earlier this month. Ngarava is recovering from a lower back injury he picked up during the England Test last month.

These injuries have created opportunities for uncapped fast bowler Kundai Matigimu, 27, and legspinner Vincent Masekesa, who previously played in the Bangladesh Test series in April. Trevor Gwandu also returns to bolster the bowling attack after recovering from a groin injury. Batsmen Prince Masvaure and Takudzwanashe Kaitano have been added to the squad to reinforce Zimbabwe's top order.

The batting order will be further strengthened by the presence of captain Craig Ervine, Sean Williams, and Brian Bennett. All eyes will be on Blessing Muzarabani to lead the pace attack.

The first Test match is scheduled to take place from June 28 to July 2, followed by the second Test from July 6 to July 10. Both matches will be held at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo.

The Zimbabwe squad is as follows:

Craig Ervine (Captain), Brian Bennett, Tanaka Chivanga, Trevor Gwandu, Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Wessly Madhevere, Clive Madande, Vincent Masekesa, Wellington Masakadza, Prince Masvaure, Kundai Matigimu, Blessing Muzarabani, Newman Nyamhuri, Tafadzwa Tsiga (wk), Nicholas Welch, Sean Williams.