Zimbabwe wicketkeeper-batter Brendan Taylor has been recalled to the national one-day squad for the upcoming home series against Sri Lanka, marking his first appearance in the 50-over format since September 2021.
Taylor, 38, is among the notable inclusions in a 16-man squad announced on Monday for the two-match series at Harare Sports Club on 29 and 31 August. His return is expected to add experience and stability to a side looking to find consistency in white-ball cricket.
Fast bowler Richard Ngarava has also been cleared for a comeback after injury, joining Blessing Muzarabani to strengthen Zimbabwe’s pace attack. Four players who missed the recent Ireland series have been drafted in, including wicketkeeper Clive Madande, all-rounder Tony Munyonga, seamer Brad Evans and uncapped pacer Ernest Masuku.
Craig Ervine will continue as captain, leading a squad that blends seasoned campaigners with emerging players. Zimbabwe Convener of Selectors David Mutendera expressed his delight at Taylor’s return, describing him as a figure whose presence can lift the entire squad. “We are delighted to welcome Brendan back into the fold. His experience and quality are invaluable, especially in pressure situations, and his presence will no doubt lift the dressing room,” Mutendera said.
He added that the squad was picked with balance in mind. “This squad has been selected to give us the best chance against a strong Sri Lankan side. We have combined proven match-winners with players who are hungry to make their mark, and that mix of experience and energy will be crucial as we transition from red-ball cricket to the fast pace of ODIs.”
Head coach Justin Sammons echoed the importance of adapting quickly. “We’ve just come off a tough red-ball series and now it’s about adjusting to the tempo and intensity of one-day cricket. Sri Lanka are a strong white-ball side and will punish any lapses, so we need to be sharp from ball one,” he said.
Captain Ervine agreed, noting the shift in formats presents its own challenge. “Switching from red-ball to white-ball cricket is always a test, especially against a team of Sri Lanka’s calibre. We need to stay flexible, back our plans and make the most of our home conditions to compete strongly in both matches.”
Zimbabwe have not played an ODI since February, with their focus in recent months on Test cricket. The series against Sri Lanka will provide an opportunity to reset in the limited-overs game before the teams switch to a three-match T20I series in early September.
Zimbabwe ODI squad:
Craig Ervine (Captain), Brian Bennett, Johnathan Campbell, Ben Curran, Brad Evans, Trevor Gwandu, Wessly Madhevere, Clive Madande, Ernest Masuku, Tony Munyonga, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, Newman Nyamhuri, Sikandar Raza, Brendan Taylor, Sean Williams.