Story by Lawrence Trusida, Sports Editor
ZIMBABWE have appointed Richard Ngarava as Test captain for the first time ahead of the Chevrons’ one-off Test against Bangladesh at Harare Sports Club on Sunday.
The left-arm seamer, who has previously undertaken leadership responsibilities in the shorter formats, will now lead the national side in the longest version of the game, marking a significant milestone in his international career.
Ngarava captains a 15-man squad as Zimbabwe return to Test cricket for the first time since their emphatic innings-and-73-run victory over Afghanistan at Harare Sports Club in October last year.
The paceman played a pivotal role in that triumph, claiming a five-wicket haul as Zimbabwe secured one of their most commanding Test victories in recent years. The win was also inspired by Ben Curran’s century and Brad Evans’ five-wicket performance.
The squad for the Bangladesh encounter includes Innocent Kaia, Graeme Cremer, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Wessly Madhevere and Newman Nyamhuri, who have all earned recognition following impressive displays in domestic cricket.
Zimbabwe will, however, be without experienced all-rounder Sikandar Raza, who has been released to fulfil his commitments with English county side Worcestershire County Cricket Club.
The Test match renews an increasingly competitive rivalry between Zimbabwe and Bangladesh following last year’s evenly contested two-match series. Zimbabwe claimed a memorable three-wicket victory in the opening encounter before Bangladesh bounced back to level the series.
With home advantage on their side and a new captain at the helm, the Chevrons will be aiming to build on their recent Test success when they take on Bangladesh in Harare this weekend.
