Mpofu named in Zimbabwe Test squad for Sri Lanka series

There are three uncapped players named in Zimbabwe’s 16-man squad for the Test series against Sri Lanka. Tendai Chatara and Tinashe Panyangara, the pacers, were left out due to injuries. Carl Mumba, Tarisai Musakanda and Taurai Muzarabani are the three uncapped players in the squad.

The ones making a comeback include batsman Malcolm Waller and the 30-year old Chris Mpofu. Mpofu has played nine Tests so far for twenty wickets at an unflattering average of 44.45. He last played a Test in November 2011. The absence of two senior pacers due to injury could have forced the selectors to go back to Mpofu.

The Graeme Cremer-led Zimbabwe are set to play two Tests against Sri Lanka in Harare, the first of which starts on October 29. The first Test at the Harare Sports Club will be Zimbabwe’s 100th appearance in the five-day format. This is Cremer’s second series as captain of the Test team. He earlier led Zimbabwe in the home Test series against New Zealand, which the hosts lost 2-0.

Zimbabwe Squad: Graeme Cremer (c), Tinotenda Mawoyo, Hamilton Masakadza, Craig Ervine, Sean Williams, Regis Chakabva, Peter Moor, Donald Tiripano, Christopher Mpofu, Taurai Muzurabani, Michael Chinouya, Brian Chari, Sikandar Raza, Malcolm Waller, Carl Mumba, Tarisai Musakanda