Zimbabwe cricket players have spent days training at Queens Sports Club before facing South Africa. The Test series begins Saturday at the Bulawayo venue. Captain Craig Ervine spoke about the upcoming matches against two strong teams. The squad will also play New Zealand after completing games against South Africa. Both opponents hold world championship status and present major challenges.
Teams met briefly at Arundel during a rain-affected warm-up match. Ervine noted the high skill level among South African bowlers during that limited action. His team plans to focus on fundamentals during preparation time. The captain expects tough competition from experienced opponents. Players feel excited about testing their abilities against elite cricketers.
Several regular team members cannot participate due to injuries. Richard Ngarava suffers from back problems and Ben Curran has a broken finger. Kundai Matigimu receives his first Test selection as a replacement. Prince Masvaure and Takudzwanashe Kaitano return to strengthen the batting order. Vincent Masekesa also rejoins the national squad.
The opening Test runs from June 28 through July 2. A second match follows from July 6 until July 10 at the same ground. Zimbabwe has not faced South Africa for eight years since their 2017 meeting. The Proteas have not toured Zimbabwe for Test cricket since 2014. That previous visit ended with a nine-wicket victory for the visitors at Harare Sports Club.
Teams met briefly at Arundel during a rain-affected warm-up match. Ervine noted the high skill level among South African bowlers during that limited action. His team plans to focus on fundamentals during preparation time. The captain expects tough competition from experienced opponents. Players feel excited about testing their abilities against elite cricketers.
Several regular team members cannot participate due to injuries. Richard Ngarava suffers from back problems and Ben Curran has a broken finger. Kundai Matigimu receives his first Test selection as a replacement. Prince Masvaure and Takudzwanashe Kaitano return to strengthen the batting order. Vincent Masekesa also rejoins the national squad.
The opening Test runs from June 28 through July 2. A second match follows from July 6 until July 10 at the same ground. Zimbabwe has not faced South Africa for eight years since their 2017 meeting. The Proteas have not toured Zimbabwe for Test cricket since 2014. That previous visit ended with a nine-wicket victory for the visitors at Harare Sports Club.
