Zimbabwe have brought veteran spinner Graeme Cremer back into their T20I setup as they prepare for the upcoming tri series against Namibia and South Africa. The experienced leg spinner has earned a place in the 15 member squad after recovering from a left arm injury that kept him away from selection following the T20 World Cup earlier this year.
The squad will be led by all rounder Sikandar Raza, with Zimbabwe looking to build momentum during the competition scheduled to begin on August 28 in Windhoek. The series will follow a double round robin format, with the top two teams securing their place in the final on September 6.
While Cremer returns, Zimbabwe will be without fast bowler Richard Ngarava, who continues his rehabilitation from a lower back problem. Ngarava, who currently serves as Zimbabwe’s Test and ODI captain, was not included as he works towards full fitness. Another pace option, Tanaka Chivanga, is also unavailable after undergoing surgery for an Achilles tendon injury.
Veteran batter Brendan Taylor has also been omitted from the T20I squad after failing to feature in Zimbabwe’s recent T20I campaigns against Bangladesh and India. Taylor last represented Zimbabwe in the format during the T20 World Cup against Oman but remains part of the Test setup, having played in the team’s one off Test against Bangladesh in June.
Cremer’s return marks another chapter in his international career. The 39 year old had spent seven years away from Zimbabwe’s T20I side before making his comeback during the T20 World Cup. However, his tournament ended with an injury setback that forced him out of contention.
Zimbabwe will continue to track Ngarava’s progress, with the pacer expected to return as ODI captain if he regains fitness ahead of their September series against Australia.
Following those fixtures, Zimbabwe are also scheduled to tour the UAE in November for two Tests and three ODIs against Afghanistan.
