The Zimbabwe team has named Gary Ballance, a former England hitter who just signed a two-year contract with Zimbabwe Cricket, to play in the upcoming three-match domestic T20I series against Ireland. Sikandar Raza, who is a member of the Dubai Capitals team and has been given permission to compete in the UAE’s ILT20, is notably absent from the lineup.
Blessing Milton Shumba, a batsman, Regis Chakabva, a wicketkeeper, and Muzarabani, a fast bowler suffering from a quad injury, are all absent. Innocent Kaia, Tadiwanashe Marumani, and medium-pacer Victor Nyauchi have been added to the top order.
Following his release from county cricket team Yorkshire, Ballance, a 33-year-old left-handed top-order hitter who played 23 Tests and 16 ODIs for England between 2014 and 2017, signed the deal with Zimbabwe, his nation of birth.
Ballance remarked at the time, “I’m excited to be joining Zimbabwe Cricket and can’t wait to start working with some excellent coaches and brilliant players. “Having the chance to play for Zimbabwe has rekindled my enthusiasm and excitement for the game.
“I have maintained contact with a lot of Zimbabwe cricketers over the years, and it has been wonderful to witness their recent improvement in particular,” the author says. All of Zimbabwe’s regulars, excluding Raza, are competing, including captain Craig Ervine, Sean Williams, Tendai Chatara, and Richard Ngarava.
The three T20I games will take place at Harare Sports Club on January 12, 14, and 15. These will be followed by a three-match ODI series, which is also slated to take place in Harare on January 18, 21, and 23.
Zimbabwe T20I squad for series against Ireland:
Craig Ervine (capt), Gary Ballance, Ryan Burl, Tendai Chatara, Bradley Evans, Luke Jongwe, Innocent Kaia, Clive Madande, Wessly Madhevere, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Wellington Masakadza, Tony Munyonga, Richard Ngarava, Victor Nyauchi, Sean Williams.