Zimbabwe name weakened squad

As expected, the Zimbabwe selectors have picked an inexperienced squad for the first one-dayer against Sri Lanka at Bulawayo next Tuesday (April 20). In a statement, the Zimbabwe Cricket Union said the team had been chosen only from those who had made themselves available, in a reference to the 13 white players who are at loggerheads with the ZCU about political interference in team selection.

The press release detailing the squad added that the "rebel" players will be expected to report for team practice tomorrow morning, even though they have not been selected. If they fail to do so, "action will be taken against them in terms of their contract", but if they do turn up, they will be considered for selection for future tours.

Tatenda Taibu, 20, will lead the 14-man squad, with Dion Ebrahim as his vice-captain. Other familiar names include Stuart Matsikenyeri, Vusimuzi Sibanda and Douglas Hondo. Tinashe Panyangara, who took 6 for 31 in the shock victory over Australia in the recent Under-19 World Cup, was one of six uncapped players.

Meanwhile, the ZCU has appointed Walter Chawaguta, the Matabeleland provincial coach, to the panel of national selectors. He replaced Mpumelelo Mbangwa, who declared himself unavailable. Chawaguta joined Stephen Mangongo, Maqsood Ebrahim and Richard Kaschula on the committee.

Zimbabwe squad for first ODI
Tatenda Taibu (capt and wk), Dion Ebrahim, Vusimuzi Sibanda, Elton Chigumbura, Stuart Matsikenyeri, Alester Maregwede, Mluleki Nkala, Waddington Mwayenga, Brendon Taylor, Douglas Hondo, Prosper Utseya, Tawanda Mpariwa, Edward Rainsford, Tinashe Panyangara.