Zimbabwe prepares to host South Africa for cricket's longest format after waiting almost ten years. The Chevrons face the World Test Championship winners at Queens Sports Club starting Saturday. Captain Craig Ervine says his team welcomes the challenge against such strong opponents. The two-match series marks a major test for Zimbabwe's cricket development. Fans eagerly await the return of elite red-ball action to Bulawayo.
The squad has been training hard since arriving Friday at the venue. Ervine believes facing world champions provides an excellent measuring stick for his team's progress. South Africa brings top-level skill and experience to this important series. The matches will show Zimbabwe where they stand among cricket's best nations. Both teams know these games carry extra significance after such a long gap.
Injuries have forced Zimbabwe to make several changes to their lineup. Richard Ngarava cannot play due to back problems and Ben Curran broke his finger. New faces join the squad as Kundai Matigimu earns his first Test selection. Prince Masvaure and Takudzwanashe Kaitano return after missing previous matches. Vincent Masekesa also gets another chance to prove his worth.
The first match runs from June 28 through July 2 at Queens Sports Club. Game two follows immediately from July 6 until July 10 at the same ground. Their last meeting happened eight years ago when South Africa won easily. The Proteas have not toured Zimbabwe since 2014 when they claimed victory at Harare Sports Club.
The squad has been training hard since arriving Friday at the venue. Ervine believes facing world champions provides an excellent measuring stick for his team's progress. South Africa brings top-level skill and experience to this important series. The matches will show Zimbabwe where they stand among cricket's best nations. Both teams know these games carry extra significance after such a long gap.
Injuries have forced Zimbabwe to make several changes to their lineup. Richard Ngarava cannot play due to back problems and Ben Curran broke his finger. New faces join the squad as Kundai Matigimu earns his first Test selection. Prince Masvaure and Takudzwanashe Kaitano return after missing previous matches. Vincent Masekesa also gets another chance to prove his worth.
The first match runs from June 28 through July 2 at Queens Sports Club. Game two follows immediately from July 6 until July 10 at the same ground. Their last meeting happened eight years ago when South Africa won easily. The Proteas have not toured Zimbabwe since 2014 when they claimed victory at Harare Sports Club.
