Zimbabwe Cricket has announced a 16-player roster for the forthcoming two-match Test series against World Test Championship (WTC) champions South Africa. The squad will, however, be without crucial players Richard Ngarava and Ben Curran, who have both been ruled out due to injury.

Curran fractured a finger after being whacked in the hand during a practice match against the Proteas at Arundel earlier this month, while Ngarava injured his lower back during Zimbabwe’s one-off Test against England in May. In addition, pacer Victor Nyauchi has been kept out of the squad due to strategic reasons.

Sikandar Raza, a senior all-rounder, is also unavailable for the series owing to franchise commitments with the Seattle Orcas in Major League Cricket (MLC).

In light of the injuries, Zimbabwe has called up uncapped seamer Kundai Matigimu.

Vincent Masekesa, the leg-spinner who played in the April Test series against Bangladesh, returns to the squad. Trevor Gwandu, a quick bowler, has also returned following a groin ailment.

The additions of Prince Masvaure and Takudzwanashe Kaitano to Zimbabwe’s batting lineup have strengthened the top order. The batting lineup also includes skipper Craig Ervine, seasoned campaigner Sean Williams, and Brian Bennett. Blessing Muzarabani, the speed spearhead, will be in charge of the bowling.

The first test is slated from June 28 to July 2, and the second from July 6 to July 10. Both matches will take place at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo.

Zimbabwe Squad: Craig Ervine (Captain), Brian Bennett, Tanaka Chivanga, Trevor Gwandu, Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Wessly Madhevere, Clive Madande, Vincent Masekesa, Wellington Masakadza, Prince Masvaure, Kundai Matigimu, Blessing Muzarabani, Newman Nyamhuri, Tafadzwa Tsiga (wk), Nicholas Welch, Sean Williams.

South Africa squad: Temba Bavuma (Captain), David Bedingham, Matthew Breetzke, Dewald Brevis, Corbin Bosch, Tony de Zorzi, Zubayr Hamza, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Lhuan-Dre Pretorius, Lesego Senokwane, Prenelan Subrayen, Kyle Verreynne, Codi Yusuf.