Zimbabwe Names Brian Bennett as Captain for UAE Test Series

Zimbabwe has announced the 17-player squad for their upcoming two-match Test series against Afghanistan in the United Arab Emirates, with 22-year-old Brian Bennett named as the team captain.

Regular captain Richard Ngarava is set to continue his recovery from a back injury and will not be part of the squad for the series.

Fast bowler Tanaka Chivanga has been excluded from the squad after being ruled out of the series due to injury, as confirmed by the ICC.

The squad retains much of the core group that achieved Zimbabwe's largest-ever Test victory in June, defeating Bangladesh by an innings and 85 runs at Harare Sports Club.

Experienced batters Brendan Taylor and Craig Ervine have been included as they remain in the UAE following the ODI tri-series to prepare for the Test series.

Veteran leg-spinner Graeme Cremer has returned to the Test squad, while Kundai Matigimu and Vincent Masekesa have been recalled.

All-rounder Antum Naqvi has also been named after meeting the ICC's eligibility criteria to represent Zimbabwe.

The first Test match is scheduled for November 5 to 9, with the second Test set for November 13 to 17, both at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

The Test series marks the conclusion of Zimbabwe's UAE tour, following their participation in the ODI tri-series with Afghanistan and Bangladesh, and the subsequent T20I series against Afghanistan.