Richard Ngarava to Miss Afghanistan Test Series

Zimbabwe captain Richard Ngarava will miss the upcoming two-match Test series against Afghanistan in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as he continues his recovery from a back injury.

Ngarava's absence is a major setback for Zimbabwe ahead of the series, which begins on November 5, with vice captain Brian Bennett appointed to lead the side in his absence.

The left arm fast bowler remains sidelined with the back problem, while fellow pace bowler Tanaka Chivanga has also been ruled out through injury, leaving Zimbabwe without two of their pace options for the red ball assignment.

Bennett will captain a squad that retains much of the core group that delivered Zimbabwe's biggest Test victory in June, when they defeated Bangladesh by an innings and 85 runs at Harare Sports Club.

Experienced campaigners Brendan Taylor and Craig Ervine headline the batting department alongside Innocent Kaia, Ben Curran, Tadiwanashe Marumani and Wessly Madhevere. Taylor and Ervine remained in the UAE following the ODI tri-series to prepare for the Test matches.

Veteran leg-spinner Graeme Cremer has also returned to the Test squad, providing valuable experience in the spin department alongside Vincent Masekesa and Wellington Masakadza.

Kundai Matigimu and Masekesa are also back in the Test setup, while all rounder Antum Naqvi has earned his place after meeting the ICC eligibility criteria to represent Zimbabwe.

In the pace department, Blessing Muzarabani will lead the attack alongside Brad Evans, Newman Nyamhuri, Matigimu and uncapped fast bowler Ernest Masuku.

Wicketkeeper-batter Tafadzwa Tsiga completes the 17-man squad as Zimbabwe look to finish their lengthy UAE tour on a positive note.

The two-match series will see the first Test played from November 5 to 9, with the second scheduled for November 13 to 17.

Zimbabwe Test Squad:

Brian Bennett (Captain), Antum Naqvi, Ben Curran, Blessing Muzarabani, Brad Evans, Brendan Taylor, Craig Ervine, Graeme Cremer, Innocent Kaia, Ernest Masuku, Kundai Matigimu, Newman Nyamhuri, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Tafadzwa Tsiga, Vincent Masekesa, Wellington Masakadza and Wessly Madhevere.