Injuries leave Zimbabwe exposed

Zimbabwe's selectors have named a 15-man squad for their forthcoming tour of Bangladesh, but injuries have robbed the side of much-needed experience

Cricinfo staff
14-Nov-2006
Zimbabwe's selectors have named a 15-man squad for their forthcoming tour of Bangladesh, but injuries have robbed the side of much-needed experience.
The emphasis is on slow bowling. In addition to Prosper Utseya, who retains the captaincy, three other slow bowlers - Sean Williams, Ryan Higgins and Keith Dabengwa - have been picked "especially for the subcontinent conditions" according to the board.
But injuries have left an already raw side looking even more inexperienced. The biggest loss will be Ed Rainsford, their best new-ball bowler, who has fractured his right thumb, although he might still be able to join the squad towards the end of the tour. Former captain Terry Duffin has undergone surgery to repair torn ligaments in his left thumb and will not be able to resume training until mid December.
In addition, Tawanda Mupariwa has been carrying a knee injury since the tour of the Caribbean in May while Tafadzwa Mufambisi was hit by a ball on his left forearm during a practice match at the Zimbabwe Cricket Academy and is in plaster.
Tino Mawoyo is the only uncapped player in the side. The former Under-19 captain has been in good form in domestic cricket for Harare Sports Club.
Zimbabwe squad Prosper Utseya (capt), Gary Brent, Chamu Chibhabha, Elton Chigumbura, Keith Dabengwa, Ryan Higgins, Anthony Ireland, Blessing Mahwire, Hamilton Masakadza, Stuart Matsikenyeri, Tinotenda Mawoyo, Christopher Mpofu, Mluleki Nkala, Brendan Taylor, Sean Williams.