Promising left-arm pace bowler Brian Vitori is racing against time to be fully fit because of a sheen injury ahead of the upcoming assignments against New Zealand who will be jetting into the country tomorrow.
Vitori made his Test debut during the Test win against Bangladesh, taking five wickets, including four for 66 in the first innings before becoming the first bowler to grab two consecutive five wicket hauls in first two one-day internationals (ODIs) against the same opponents.
The 21-year-old, however, failed to reproduce that form against Pakistan and now it looks like he will have to wait a bit longer to make amends.
As a precautionary measure the bowler has missed his franchise, Southern Rocks’ recent Coca-Cola Pro50 Championship and Logan Cup assignments. However, in-form Matabeleland Tuskers all-rounder Keegan Meth looks set to bounce back after recovering from the mouth injury suffered during the series against Bangladesh.
Meth’s return and the possible absence of Vitori are likely to be only major changes to the squad for all three formats.
The New Zealand cricket team arrives for two Twenty20 (T20) matches, three ODIs and a lone Test match.
The tour will get underway on Saturday with the first T20 at Harare Sports Club.
The two T20s and first two ODIs will be played in Harare while last ODI and Test match will be played at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
Just before the Test match, New Zealand will play a two day warm-up game against Zimbabwe XI at Bulawayo Athletic Club on October 28 and 29.
Probable Zimbabwe squad: Brendan Taylor, Regis Chakabva, Chamunorwa Chibhabha, Elton Chigumbura, Charles Coventry, Craig Ervine, Kyle Jarvis, Hamilton Masakadza, Shingirai Masakadza, Tinotenda Mawoyo, Keegan Meth, Christopher Mpofu, Natsayi Mushangwe, Forster Mutizwa, Njabulo Ncube, Raymond Price, Vusimuzi Sibanda, Tatenda Taibu, Prosper Utseya, Malcolm Waller, Brian Vitori
