Taibu comes back in from the cold

As expected, Tatenda Taibu has been recalled to the Zimbabwe squad for next month's Twenty20 World Championship almost two years after he quit international cricket following threats against his family.

Brendan Taylor, who also fell out with the board after ignoring its demand that he should not play cricket abroad this summer, also made a return, as did Sean Williams who had been in South Africa undergoing treatment for a back injury.

There were some new faces. Timycen Maruma, an offspinner, was rewarded for a good domestic season in which he took 36 wickets at 17.62.

Johnson Marumisa, a veteran by Zimbabwe standards at 24, is an opening batsman whose form has been solid rather than spectacular. He edged out Tino Mawoyo who has failed despite being given a long run in the side, and the other established opening batsman, Terry Duffin, was considered far too pedestrian with bat and in the field for Twenty20.

Slow left-armer Keith Dabengwa elbowed his way into the squad with an outstanding domestic season in which he took 34 wickets at 12.88, and his style should be well suited to the format.

Zimbabwe squad Prosper Utseya (capt), Gary Brent, Chamu Chibhabha, Elton Chigumbura, Keith Dabengwa, Timycen Maruma, Hamilton Masakadza, Stuart Matsikinyeri, Johnson Marumisa, Christopher Mpofu, Tawanda Mupariwa, Vusi Sibanda, Tatenda Taibu, Brendan Taylor, Sean Williams.