Brian Murphy reinstated as Zimbabwean captain

Brian Murphy has been reinstated as Zimbabwean captain having recovered from a broken finger and rejoined the team in Sri Lanka.

Murphy, 25, was first handed the job after the resignation of Heath Streak following England's short limited overs tour in October.

He led the side in Sharjah and to Bangladesh afterwards, before breaking his finger in the first Test in Dhaka and returning home for treatment.

Carlisle, 29, was then appointed for the remainder of the tour and during the LG Abans tri-series in Sri Lanka, before Murphy took over the reins on Friday in a three-day practice match. Carlisle becomes vice-captain.

Murphy, a leg-spinner, who has played 11 Test matches, now faces the tough task of justifying his place in the side by regaining his bowling form and leading the side in a difficult three-Test series against Sri Lanka.

Since the 1999 world cup Zimbabwe have had five captains, with Alistair Campbell, Andy Flower and Heath Streak all resigning. Flower complained that the burden of being the main batsman, wicket-keeper and captain was too much for him, whilst Campbell and Streak cited a drop in their personal form as the reason for throwing in the towel.

The first Test between Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe starts 27 December.