Zimbabwe announced a 15-member squad for a warm-up match against South Africa starting June 3, 2023, in Sussex. The team will be missing three key players: Sikandar Raza, Blessing Muzarabani, and Richard Ngarava. Despite their absence, Brian Bennett, who recently scored a century against England, will play. The match serves as preparation for South Africa ahead of the World Test Championship final against Australia.
Zimbabwe has announced its 15-member squad ahead of a warm-up match against South Africa, which kicks off on Tuesday, June 3, in Sussex. The team confirmed they decided to stay in England following their historic Test match against the hosts, as the warm-up will assist South Africa in preparing for the World Test Championship (WTC) final. However, the Zimbabwean side will be missing three key players: Sikandar Raza, Blessing Muzarabani, and Richard Ngarava.
Muzarabani is currently in India with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) as they advance to the playoffs, while Raza is gearing up for the Major League Cricket (MLC) tournament. Meanwhile, Ngarava has been given some rest time. Despite their absences, Brian Bennett will join the lineup after an impressive century against England at Trent Bridge.
A Zimbabwe Cricket spokesperson stated, “The team includes Brian Bennett, the 21-year-old opening batter who grabbed headlines with a record-breaking performance against England, registering Zimbabwe’s fastest-ever century in Test cricket.” Furthermore, they noted, “However, the team will be without three regulars – all-rounder Sikandar Raza and the pace duo of Blessing Muzarabani and Richard Ngarava – who are unavailable for this match.”
Stepping into their places are Tanunurwa Makoni, Vincent Masekesa, and Alex Falao, who have garnered a spot on the team due to their notable performances in domestic and international levels. The warm-up match serves a dual purpose: it provides South Africa the chance to hone its preparations before facing Australia in the WTC final, while also paving the way for an upcoming two-match Test series between the two sides.
Given that South Africa’s players are returning from the IPL, it is anticipated that the Proteas will field a full-strength team for this crucial warm-up match, aiming to fine-tune their strategies ahead of the final clash.
In summary, Zimbabwe’s warm-up match against South Africa will be essential, not just for the latter’s final preparations for the World Test Championship final, but also as a precursor to an upcoming Test series. Despite missing star players, Zimbabwe has adjusted its squad in a bid to maintain competitive spirit and performance. Overall, this match promises to be an engaging lead-up to the significant cricket events on the horizon.
Original Source: www.indiatvnews.com
