Zimbabwe Squad for First Test

There are some welcome returns to international cricket among the names included in Zimabwe’s squad for the first test against New Zealand.

Stuart Carlisle and Craig Wishart, who quit Zimbabwean cricket after the selection disaster of early 2004 which resulted in the departure of a very large number of top-level Zimbabwean cricketers, both return to the squad, as does Brendan Taylor after a lengthy ban for indiscipline, and Heath Streak has returned to a place of seniority in the squad by being given the vice-captaincy.

For the first time in quite some time it can be fairly said that Zimbabwe will be fielding a competitive side, meaning that the two test series could prove to be a bit more interesting than was originally thought. With Wishart and Carlisle returning there is some strength in the batting lineup, and Heath Streak is a world-class all-rounder who has the ability to cause any batting lineup in the world some problems with his fast-medium bowling. Having said that, New Zealand will still be going into the series supremely confident of victory.

The first test begins in Harare on Sunday.

Squad: Tatenda Taibu (captain, wicketkeeper), Heath Streak (vice-captain), Andy Blignaut, Stuart Carlisle, Graeme Cremer, Keith Dabengwa, Dion Ebrahim, Neil Ferreira, Anthony Ireland, Blessing Mahwire, Hamilton Masakadza, Chris Mpofu, Brendan Taylor, Craig Wishart.