NEW Zimbabwe cricket head coach Justin Sammons has stuck to his predominant rebuilding thrust after picking a young squad for the forthcoming five-match T20I series against champions India scheduled to bowl off on Saturday at Harare Sports Club.
The other matches are scheduled for July 7, 10, 13 and 14 at Harare Sports Club starting at 1pm.
All-rounder Dion Myers, who recently completed his studies at a university in the United Kingdom, is back in the team after promising performances in domestic cricket.
Also joining the squad is 23-year-old all-rounder Wessly Madhevere, who has returned from a break, alongside leg-spinner Brandon Mavuta (27), who is also capable with the bat.
Fast bowler Tendai Chatara (33) has overcome his previous challenges to secure a place in the team and is eager to once again prove himself as a top performer in international cricket, where he has previously enjoyed success.
The other youthful brigade includes Jonathan Campbell (26), Brian Bennet (20), Tadiwanashe Marumani (22), Milton Shumba (23) as well as the young and experienced Clive Madande (24), Richard Ngarava (26) and Blessing Muzarabani (27).
Skipper Sikandar Raza (38), Innocent Kaia (31), Wellington Masakadza (30), Faraz Akram (30) and Luke Jongwe (29) complete the provisional squad announced by Zimbabwe Cricket yesterday.
NewsDay Sport revealed last week that Antum Naqvi, a Belgian-born all-rounder, has been shortlisted for selection to join the Chevrons.
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However, his debut is pending as he still needs to obtain his Zimbabwean papers from the relevant authorities.
The Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) confirmed that it is currently handling this matter.
“We are working with Zimbabwe Cricket, the Ministry of Sports and the relevant authorities and we will advise of the outcome,” SRC director-general Eltah Nengomasha told NewsDay Sport.
The glaring omissions, however, have been former T20 captain Craig Ervine, as well as all-rounders Sean Williams who Zimbabwe Cricket said had not been considered for this tour.
Ryan Burl also failed to make the cut.
Zimbabwe squad for T20I series versus India:
Sikandar Raza (captain), Faraz Akram, Brian Bennett, Johnathan Campbell, Tendai Chatara, Luke Jongwe, Innocent Kaia, Clive Madande, Wessly Madhevere, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Wellington Masakadza, Brandon Mavuta, Blessing Muzarabani, Dion Myers, Antum Naqvi, Richard Ngarava, Milton Shumba.
