Brian Bennett to captain Zimbabwe as Ngarava, Chivanga miss Tests
Brian Bennett will lead Zimbabwe in the two-Test series against Afghanistan in the UAE, with Richard Ngarava still recovering from a back problem and fast bowler Tanaka Chivanga ruled out through injury. The ICC reported the 17-member squad, and the first Test starts on Thursday, 5 November, at 11:00 AM IST at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium in Sharjah.
Bennett, described by the ICC as a 22-year-old, is Zimbabwe’s vice-captain and steps up in Ngarava’s absence.
The squad
Brendan Taylor and Craig Ervine are in the squad after staying on in the UAE following the ODI tri-series to prepare for the red-ball games. The group also keeps much of the side that beat Bangladesh by an innings and 85 runs at Harare Sports Club in June, which the ICC called Zimbabwe’s biggest Test win.
Chivanga will miss the series altogether. The second Test is also at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium and starts on Friday, 13 November, at 11:00 AM IST.
Where the tour stands
Zimbabwe come into the Tests after losing all three T20Is in the UAE in the Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe in UAE, 2026 series. Afghanistan won by 37 runs on 27 October and by 19 runs on 29 October.
The last match, on 1 November, went to Afghanistan by 7 wickets, with Zimbabwe all out for 79 and Afghanistan finishing on 81/3 in 8.1 overs. Noor Ahmad took 5 for 13 in 3.3 overs, while Ryan Burl’s 30 was Zimbabwe’s top score. The two Tests are the only matches left in the series, which runs until 17 November.
