Jonathan Campbell, Brian Bennett, and Clive Madande are called up for their first-ever Test match against Ireland

Three first-time Test call-ups are included in the squad: Jonathan Campbell, Brian Bennett, and Clive Madande. These young athletes are now taking part in the T20I series that is being played against India. Another uncapped member on the team, Joylord Gumbie, has also been added.

The Zimbabwe Cricket Association has unveiled their team for the July 25–29, Belfast, one-off Test match against Ireland. Craig Ervine is in charge of the 15-person team, which is made up of both fresh young talent and seasoned veterans.

Since it will be Zimbabwe and Ireland’s first-ever Test match, this match represents an important milestone. The last time Zimbabwe played a Test match was at Bulawayo, West Indies, in February 2023.

Zimbabwe are using this chance to develop new talent and revitalise their Test cricket programme, even if they are not participating in the ICC World Test Championship.

Sean Williams’s injury-related return to action brings vital experience to the starting lineup. Williams and skipper Ervine provide invaluable experience from Test matches to mentor the younger players.

Veteran players like Tendai Chatara, Blessing Muzarabani, Victor Nyauchi, and Richard Ngarava are included in the fast bowling department, offering a well-balanced combination of youth and experience.

Several players who played in the series against the West Indies as well as Gary Ballance, who had switched allegiance from England to Zimbabwe, were notable absentees from Zimbabwe’s most recent Test match.

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Ireland, Zimbabwe’s opponents in Test cricket, have only participated in eight matches since making their debut in 2018. Their debut in the format, they just defeated Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi.

Zimbabwe squad for one-off Test in Ireland

Craig Ervine (capt), Brian Bennett, Johnathan Campbell, Tendai Chatara, Tanaka Chivanga, Joylord Gumbie (wk), Roy Kaia, Clive Madande (wk), Wellington Masakadza, Prince Masvaure, Blessing Muzarabani, Dion Myers, Richard Ngarava, Victor Nyauchi, Sean Williams