Veteran batter Craig Ervine has returned to lead Zimbabwe’s ODI team as they named 15-member squads for their upcoming white-ball series against Sri Lanka.

Zimbabwe announced two separate squads for the ODI and T20I series, set to commence on January 6. Leading the ODI team is returning veteran Ervine, who had to previously abandon the home series against Ireland due to an injury. Meanwhile, Sikandar Raza would be captaining the side for the T20I leg of the series.

Following a remarkable season in domestic cricket, newcomer and off-spinner prodigy Tapiwa Mufudza finds himself with a spot in the ODI squad. Joining him is pacer Faraz Akram, who has already made an impression with his T20I debut.

Also Read: India’s full cricket schedule in 2024

Furthermore, Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Tinashe Kamunhukamwe, Milton Shumba, and Tony Munyonga who significantly contributed to Zimbabwe’s performance in the Ireland series have also received a call-up to travel to Sri Lanka for the ODIs.

Changes have also shaped the T20I squad, with fresh additions Brian Bennett, Ainsley Ndlovu, and Carl Mumba taking the places of Kaitano, Mufudza, and Akram. The squad also does not feature veteran Sean Williams as a result of failing to recover from an injury.

The Sri Lanka tour commences with three ODIs on January 6, 8, and 11. This will be followed by three T20Is, scheduled for January 14, 16 and 18. All matches will be held at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo.

ODI squad: Craig Ervine (C), Faraz Akran, Ryan Burl, Joylord Gumbie, Luke Jongwe, Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Tinashe Kamunhukamwe, Clive Madande, Wellington Masakadza, Tapiwa Mufudza, Tony Munyonga, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, Sikandar Raza, Milton Shumba

T20I squad: Sikandar Raza (C), Brian Bennett, Ryan Burl, Craig Ervine, Joylord Gumbie, Luke Jongwe, Tinashe Kamunhukamwe, Clive Madande, Wellington Masakadza, Carl Mumba, Tony Munyonga, Blessing Muzarabani, Ainsley Ndlovu, Richard Ngarava, Milton Shumba