Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) will by this weekend finalise the Zimbabwe A squad which will play against touring A teams from South Africa and Sri Lanka in July, Givemore Makoni, the convener of selectors said yesterday.
The three teams will tackle each other in a limited overs tri-series from July 13-21 at venues yet to be confirmed and there is a possibility of one of the teams remaining behind for four-day matches.
“We are still finalising the Zimbabwe A squad, but we should be through before the end of the week.
“We believe the tour should be an opportunity for some of the players who have been in and out of the senior national team to prove themselves. The series should be very competitive as South African and Sri Lanka are bringing strong teams,” said Makoni.
Some of the players expected to feature in the Zimbabwe A squad include forgotten seamer Ed Rainsford, Regis Chakabva, Chamu Chibhabha and Tendai Chatara.
Opening batsman Tino Mawoyo could also be given some game time as he will not take part in the upcoming Twenty20 (T20) tri-series.
While the A side will be named this week, Makoni said the 15-member squad for next month’s T20 tri-series against South Africa and Bangladesh will be named a week before the tournament.
Meanwhile, Cricket South Africa (CSA) on Tuesday named a squad of 24 players from which the South Africa A side will be selected.
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The South Africa A team will play two four-day matches against Sri Lanka A at Kingsmead in Durban before the two teams come down to Zimbabwe for a triangular one-day series.
Aggressive left-handed batsman Faf du Plessis, who is also expected to accompany the South Africans during next month’s T20 tri-series will captain the A side.
Du Plessis, who has played 21 one-day internationals (ODIs) for South Africa is currently taking part in the Indian Premier League, having been signed by Chennai Super Kings for $120 000.
The side has four newcomers to South Africa A level in Highveld Lions batsman Temba Bavuma, Highveld Lions all-rounder Chris Morris and two spin bowlers, Simon Harmer of the Warriors and Aaron Phangiso of the Highveld Lions.
“The four newcomers to the South Africa A side have all done very well in franchise cricket this season and it is yet another example of impressive talent coming through the system and bidding for higher honours,” commented CSA selection convener Andrew Hudson.
Triangular ODI series in Zimbabwe: July 13: South Africa A v Sri Lanka A July 14: Zimbabwe A v Sri Lanka A July 15: Zimbabwe A v South Africa A July 17: South Africa A v Sri Lanka A July 18: Zimbabwe A v South Africa A July 19: Zimbabwe A v Sri Lanka A July 21: Final
