BRENDAN Taylor is back to full fitness and Richard Ngarava is “on the mend” as Zimbabwe prepare for a home full series against Bangladesh in Harare and Bulawayo.
The series comprises one Test match, three One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and three Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is).
The lone Test will kickstart the series at Harare Sports Club from June 28 to July 2, with the three-match One-Day International series to follow on July 6, 9 and 11 at the same venue.
The tour will then move to Bulawayo, where Queens Sports Club will host the T20I series on July 15, 17 and 19.
The senior men’s team top-order batter and wicketkeeper Taylor got injured in Zimbabwe’s first match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in Sri Lanka and was ruled out of the tournament, although he remained with the squad. On the other hand, newly appointed Test and ODI captain Ngarava picked up a knock and, as a precaution, was given limited game time when he was needed most. His deputy in both formats is Brian Bennett.
Both players featured in the team’s practice session at Harare Sports Club, showing positive signs that may come as relief for Chevrons head coach Justin Sammons ahead of the home tie against the Tigers.
“In terms of BT and Richard, Richard is obviously coming back from a serious injury.
“We’ll see in terms of how he progresses day by day. We can’t really tell as yet when he’ll be ready, because it is about loading and managing that process and not rushing it,” Sammons told Standard Sport.
“So it’ll be a day-by-day process for him. We’ve got about five weeks to get him ready, but it’s going to be managed carefully. BT is absolutely fine. He’s recovered perfectly and is training really well.”
Sammons added that the expanded camp with the A-side gave him a clear picture before the tourists arrive.
“It was a nice big group. No real surprises really in terms of who’s there. The guys have all worked really hard and we’ll see how they go,” he said.
Sammons warned Bangladesh’s seam attack will test Zimbabwe’s batters after their 2-0 win over Pakistan.
“They’ve got a really good seam attack... They’re definitely one of the better attacks at the moment. So it’s going to be a good challenge for our batters, but certainly we’re going to front up there,” he added.
“Obviously, when you’re playing at home against Bangladesh, we want to try and utilise as much pace and balance as we can.”
Ngarava’s recovery boosts Zimbabwe’s pace options, while Taylor’s return adds experience.
Sammons said World Cup players must now “keep backing” that growth, and the A-side tour to Bangladesh is “a nice opportunity for them to put their hands up”.
Meanwhile, Zimbabwe Cricket announced the Zimbabwe A squad touring Bangladesh for a-50 overs and four-dayers series.
The squad boasts of experience, experience, and the forgotten but hard-working players. Antum Naqvi still awaiting his national team debut is in the squad, the resurgent Tarisai Musakanda and the hard-running Ernest Masuku all made the cut.
Meanwhile, Zimbabwe Cricket announced the Zimbabwe A squad touring Bangladesh for a 50-over and four-day series. The squad blends experience with hard-working players who have been recalled. Antum Naqvi, still awaiting his national team debut, is in the squad so is up and coming Munashe Chimusoro and enterprising Michael Frost are also in, while resurgent Tarisai Musakanda and hard-running Ernest Masuku all made the cut.
Zim A squads for Bangladesh:
ZIMBABWE ‘A’ SQUAD FOR ONE-DAY MATCHES VS BANGLADESH ‘A’:
Faraz Akram, Ryan Burl, Matthew Campbell, Michael Frost, Trevor Gwandu, Innocent Kaia, Roy Kaia, Clive Madande, Wessly Madhevere, Tinotenda Maposa, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Vincent Masekesa, Ernest Masuku, Tarisai Musakanda, Antum Naqvi
ZIMBABWE ‘A’ SQUAD FOR FOUR-DAY MATCHES VS BANGLADESH ‘A’:
Faraz Akram, Ryan Burl, Johnathan Campbell, Matthew Campbell, Munashe Chimusoro, Michael Frost, Trevor Gwandu, Clive Madande, Tanunurwa Makoni, Tinotenda Maposa, Vincent Masekesa, Ernest Masuku, Tarisai Musakanda, Dion Myers, Antum Naqvi.