The Sunday Mail
The spotlight will be on some senior players as the Zimbabwe A cricket team takes on Canada in the first of the four ODIs at Harare Sports Club on Tuesday.
The series, which could be affected by the rains, is crucial for the much needed game time for some players ahead of next month’s ICC World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
Selectors have included a number of senior team players in the Zim A squad to afford them match practice and it will be interesting to see how players like Prosper Utseya (captain), Stuart Matsikenyeri and Cephas Zhuwawo will perform.
Utseya, who was recently cleared to bowl, but not his off-spin, would be tested on his remodelled bowling action, while the returning Matsikenyeri would want to make a strong comeback to international cricket.
Zhuwawo has always been a big hitter with potential which never really developed, but he has been presented another opportunity to resurrect his international career.
Also under the spotlight are Chamu Chibhabha, who makes a return to international cricket since 2013 due to slump in form.
Brian Vitori, who has fully recovered from an ankle injury suffered in a road accident in June and also Tawanda Mupariwa, who has been missing out on selection.
Craig Ervine, who was part of the Bangladesh squad, but did not play any part in the ODIs, would also look for some important runs.
Mashonaland Eagles and former Zimbabwe U19 batsman Ryan Burl could make his debut after being included in the final 15-man squad.
The Zim A team’s coach, Shepherd Makunura, told The Sunday Mail that the players are aware of the importance of this opportunity hence they have worked hard in the short space of preparation time they had.
“They know it’s a very important tour and they are working hard to achieve our goals, that is to make sure that we put up a good performance in the series.
“They have got some game time under their belt because we are mid-way through the domestic season, which is a positive.
“They have conducted themselves quite well and have worked hard in the couple of days that we have done some work with them,” said the Manicaland Mountaineers coach.
Squad:
Chamu Chibhabha, Cephas Zhuwawo, Ryan Burl, Stuart Matsikenyeri, Richmond Mutumbami, Prosper Utseya, Tawanda Mupariwa, Brian Vitori, P. J. Moor, Luke Jongwe, Tino Mutombodzi, Natsai Mushangwe, Neville Madziva, Timycen Maruma, Craig Ervine.
