Harare, June 23: Zimbabwe have entrusted left-arm pacer Richard Ngarava with the Test captaincy for the first time, naming him to lead a 15-member squad for the one-off Test against Bangladesh, which begins on Sunday at the Harare Sports Club.
The fixture marks Zimbabwe’s return to the longest format after an extended break and signals the start of an important home season, with the selectors opting for a blend of established names and returning performers.Ngarava steps into the leadership role after playing a pivotal part in Zimbabwe’s most recent Test appearance, an innings-and-73-run victory over Afghanistan at the same venue in October last year. The fast bowler spearheaded the attack with a five-wicket haul as Zimbabwe registered one of its most dominant Test wins in recent memory.Several members of that successful side have retained their places, including Ben Curran, whose century laid the foundation for the comprehensive victory, and all-rounder Brad Evans, who also claimed a five-wicket haul during the match.The squad, however, features notable changes, with five players earning recalls. Innocent Kaia, Graeme Cremer, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Wessly Madhevere and Newman Nyamhuri have forced their way back into national contention after impressing in domestic competitions. (IANS)
