Butterworth replaces Flower in Zimbabwe squad

Zimbabwe have included the uncapped Ryan Butterworth in their ODI squad for the tour to Bangladesh, after his impressive performances in the recent Stanbic Bank 20 Series. The 29-year-old Butterworth scored 165 runs at an average of 82.50 and a strike rate of 181.31, and also took six wickets with his part-time medium pace to help Mashonaland Eagles claim the Twenty20 trophy.

Grant Flower, who made a surprising return to international cricket for the recent ODI series in South Africa, is not in the squad, having possibly played his last competitive first class match. Flower, however, will continue in his role as Zimbabwe batting coach for the series, which will see five ODIs played between December 1 and December 12. Sean Williams also missed out on the tour after sustaining a hamstring injury during the Stanbic Bank 20 Series.

Zimbabwe have recalled medium-pacer Keegan Meth, who has not played for the national side since 2006, while spinner Ray Price returns after missing the tour of South Africa for personal reasons. Regis Chakabva, a 23-year-old wicketkeeper with just one ODI under his belt, is also in the side.

Butterworth also performed well during his stint in England last summer, where he scored more than 1000 runs and took more than 40 wickets for Whitehaven in the North Lancashire league.

Zimbabwe will go into the series looking for their first ODI victory since they beat Ireland in September, but will face a Bangladesh side buoyant after their recent 4-0 drubbing of New Zealand.

Zimbabwe Squad: Elton Chigumbura (capt), Tatenda Taibu (wk), Brendan Taylor, Hamilton Masakadza, Shingi Masakadza, Regis Chakabva, Chamu Chibhabha, Raymond Price, Ryan Butterworth, Craig Ervine, Prosper Utseya, Graeme Cremer, Keith Dabengwa, Chris Mpofu, Keegan Meth