Sikandar Raza to lead Zimbabwe in Australia ODIs, Richard Ngarava misses out

Zimbabwe have named a 15-member squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Australia, beginning on September 15. Sikandar Raza will lead the side in regular skipper Richard Ngarava’s absence, who continues to recover from a lower-back injury.

Ngarava also missed the recent T20I tri-series in Namibia due to his injury and is in a race against time to be fit for the following tri-series in the UAE. Apart from him, fast bowler Tanaka Chivanga has also been sidelined by an Achilles tendon injury. In their absence, Blessing Muzarabani will lead the pace attack, which also includes Brad Evans, Newman Nyamhuri and Ernest Masuku.

Zimbabwe have also been strengthened by the return of seasoned campaigners Brendan Taylor and Graeme Cremer. Taylor will be responsible for the wicketkeeping duties alongside Tadiwanashe Marumani as Clive Madande misses out in the team.

Taylor hasn’t played an ODI in over a year, having last featured in a 50-over game against Sri Lanka in August 2025. Along with them, Craig Ervine and Raza will also add considerable experience in the batting lineup.

Australia to tour Zimbabwe after 12 years

Wrist-spinner Graeme Cremer, who made his comeback from an arm injury in Namibia, will also play his first ODI since 2018.  

The upcoming series will also be Australia’s first ODI visit to Zimbabwe in over a decade. The two teams last played an ODI on Zimbabwean soil during a triangular series in August and September 2014, alongside South Africa. All three ODIs of the upcoming series will be played in Harare on September 15, 18 and 20.

Zimbabwe squad for Australia ODI series: Sikandar Raza (Captain), Ben Curran, Blessing Muzarabani, Brad Evans, Brendan Taylor, Brian Bennett, Craig Ervine, Ernest Masuku, Graeme Cremer, Innocent Kaia, Newman Nyamhuri, Ryan Burl, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Wellington Masakadza, Wessly Madhevere