NEW: Chevrons ready for Irish test

Online Reporter

ZIMBABWE Chevrons captain Craig Ervine has urged the team to carry on the momentum from last year when they host Ireland in a six-match limited-overs series that begins on Thursday.

The series will start with the first of three T20 Internationals at Harare Sports Club.

Dave Houghton’s engagement as coach mid last year seemed to have sparked a revival of sorts for the Chevrons, as the team started playing arguably their best cricket in recent years.

Zimbabwe made it through the Global T20 World Cup qualifiers unbeaten.

They subsequently scored their first One-Day International win over Australia in Australia.

They wrapped up their 2022 international commitments with a fairy-tale run at the T20 World Cup, which was also held in Australia late last year.

“It is very exciting to be back playing in front of a home crowd, and it is a key part of how we start this year, after we created a lot of momentum towards the backend of the last,” said Ervine.

“We need to start the year on a winning note.”

The two sides meet in three T20 internationals and three One-Day Internationals, all of which will be held at Harare Sports Club.

The Chevrons skipper said former England batter Gary Ballance is ready for his debut T20I for his native country.

“He has fitted in pretty smoothly, and he has enjoyed the short camp that we have had. He will bring a lot to the table because of the experience he has had over the years.

“He has played a lot of high-level cricket, and everyone is looking forward to his contribution in the team.”