mbulelo smpofu
Brandon Moyo, [email protected]
IN a move that acknowledges outstanding domestic performances, Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) selectors have handed debut Test call-ups to talented leg-spinner Vincent Masekesa and top-order batter Nick Welch.
Both key players for the Mega Market Mountaineers have been selected for the upcoming one-off Test match against Ireland, scheduled to commence on February 6 at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo.
This significant milestone recognises the pair’s consistent excellence in domestic cricket.
Zimbabwe is set to host Ireland for a multi-format series, comprising one Test, three one-day internationals (ODIs), and three T20Is.
The white-ball games will be played at Harare Sports Club.
Welch and Masekesa have been instrumental in the Mountaineers’ success, with the team currently topping the Logan Cup standings with 80 points from four matches. Welch has been in exceptional form, leading the run-scoring charts with 544 runs at an average of 68. He boasts an impressive 100 percent conversion rate, with three centuries and no fifties.
Masekesa (27) is the second-leading wicket-taker, with 24 wickets in seven innings at an average of 21.83.
His impressive performance has drawn comparisons to former skipper and spinner Graeme Cremer, and he is seen as a deserving candidate for a chance at the top level.
Their inclusion in the Test squad has been welcomed by cricket enthusiasts, who have long advocated for fair selection that rewards performing players with opportunities to play international cricket.
Meanwhile, Dion Myers and Tadiwanashe Marumani have been left out of the red-ball set-up.
Veteran all-rounder Sikandar Raza will also miss the Test match due to prior commitments to franchise cricket.
However, seasoned all-rounder Sean Williams, who struggled with a back injury during the recent Test series against Afghanistan, has been confirmed available for the match.
The ODI squad sees two changes, with Wessly Madhevere and Nyasha Mayavo replacing Myers and Joylord Gumbie. Myers retains his place in the T20I squad, which now includes Johnathan Campbell, Tony Munyonga, and Mayavo. Faraz Akram and Takudzwanashe Kaitano have missed out on T20I selection.
Zimbabwe and Ireland have a limited Test cricket history, with Ireland winning their only encounter by four wickets in Belfast last year.
In one-day cricket, Ireland holds a better record, winning 10 of 22 matches, while Zimbabwe has won eight.
In T20Is, Ireland has won eight of 15 matches, with Zimbabwe winning seven.
The white-ball matches are scheduled to start on February 14, with the ODIs taking place on February 16 and 18.
The three T20Is are pencilled in for February 22, 23, and 25.
Zimbabwe Test Squad
Craig Ervine (Captain), Brian Bennett, Johnathan Campbell, Ben Curran, Joylord Gumbie, Trevor Gwandu, Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Vincent Masekesa, Nyasha Mayavo, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, Newman Nyamhuri, Victor Nyauchi, Nicholas Welch, Sean Williams
Zimbabwe ODI Squad
Craig Ervine (Captain), Brian Bennett, Johnathan Campbell, Ben Curran, Trevor Gwandu, Wessly Madhevere, Tinotenda Maposa, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Wellington Masakadza, Nyasha Mayavo, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, Newman Nyamhuri, Sikandar Raza, Sean Williams
Zimbabwe T20I Squad
Sikandar Raza (Captain), Brian Bennett, Ryan Burl, Johnathan Campbell, Trevor Gwandu, Wessly Madhevere, Tinotenda Maposa, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Wellington Masakadza, Nyasha Mayavo, Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Blessing Muzarabani, Dion Myers, Richard Ngarava, Newman Nyamhuri
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